DNA Functions and Structure Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

DNA Functions and Structure - Essay Example These are known as the nuclear DNA and the mitochondrial DNA, respectively. A very significant trait of the DNA is that it can very efficiently and easily â€Å"replicate, or make copies of itself. Each strand of DNA in the double helix can serve as a pattern for duplicating the sequence of bases. This is critical when cells divide because each new cell needs to have an exact copy of the DNA present in the old cell† (Genetics Home Reference, 2012). The DNA, regardless of its overly microscopic size, has many functions under its assigned responsibilities. The DNA normally exists in the form of either prokaryotes or eukaryotes, existing in a different chromosomal stage in either of the states. Under the biological functions that the DNA performs, there exists the storage of hereditary and genetic information by the genes which determine the traits and features of the future generations. Secondly, the DNA is responsible for the transcription and translation of the genetic codes t hat are matched with its matching RNA, in further course. Lastly, the DNA carries out the replication of cell, which means that the cells divide amongst themselves and create copies of their own selves, in order to grow, in number and size. This is considered to be the bases for the notion of biological inheritance. These functions of the DNA are carried out simultaneously. The efficiency of this is ensured by the structure of the DNA which is double helix in nature. Details of these functions will discussed in greater detail, in the following. A polymer is a composition and a collection of numerous monomers called mononucleotide units. The structure of this nucleotide unit is as simple as the concept of this unit itself. These nucleotide units are formed by bonds of phosphates, sugars and a heterocyclic base. The chemical reaction is sped up and catalyzed by specialist enzymes. As a result of the components of this structure of this type of nucleotide units, after intermolecular de hydration, they form phosphate ester bonds. In a situation where nitrogenous bases on the DNAs complementing each other are called as base pairs. There has been extensive research and there have been many conclusions to the question of the combinations of the base pairs that are formed. The conclusions, with respect to the researches have varied with time and so have the combinations that are formed, according to each research. â€Å"DNA replication  is a biological process that occurs in all  living organisms  and copies their  DNA; it is the basis for  biological inheritance. The process starts when one double-stranded DNA molecule produces two identical copies of the molecule. The cell cycle (mitosis) also pertains to the DNA replication/reproduction process. The cell cycle includes, interphase, prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. Each strand of the original double-stranded DNA molecule serves as template for the production of the complementary strand, a proc ess referred to as  semiconservative replication. Cellularproofreading  and error toe-checking mechanisms ensure  near perfect  fidelity for DNA replication† (Berg, Tymozko, Stryer, & Clarke, 2002) The RNA, like the DNA, is an acronym for the Ribonucleic Acid and is made up of lengthy chains of micro structures called nucleotides, consisting of sugars and a nucleobase. The structure of

The critique of We are raising a generation of deluded narcissts Essay - 1

The critique of We are raising a generation of deluded narcissts - Essay Example This is often the scenario among families today. Parents willingly give the latest gadgets to their children to express their love, to keep them up-dated or simply for them to have some â€Å"companion† while the parents are busy working. However, with such mentality, parents are actively culturing a generation of deluded narcissists as Dr. Keith Ablow would term it. The aforementioned psychologist discusses the making of such a generation in his article on Fox News. This paper will analyze and critique the idea that a generation of egocentric kids is being molded through the use of social media and computer games. In We are Raising a Generation of Deluded Narcissists, Dr. Keith Ablow talks about how young people are becoming egomaniac these days. He says that a study of college students show that they are more confident about themselves and their successes even though their grades are showing otherwise. Children engaging in computer games tend to associate with the characters of the games and think that they are as good as the real stars. Moreover, with the use of facebook, they can choose the photographs they like in order to project a wonderful story of their lives. They can also block the friends who dislike them, resulting to a delusional friendship which is fed by the reciprocation of desired feedbacks. They tend to see themselves as loveable because of their thousands of friends on facebook and followers on twitter and not realize that they are not even able to really socialize well in real life. With the belief that this is an epidemic, Dr. Ablow concludes with the challenge to combat it. In the aforementioned article, Dr. Ablow brings into the open what is happening among modern children who are playing computer games and using social media everyday as part of their routines. He brings to the reader’s attention the fact that there is a psychological effect of the