How cool is that structure?

Today in class we were to go over the structure of DNA.  The structure is intimately linked to its function, so the base-pairing aspect is HUGE.  The fact that a string of bases on one DNA molecule can dictate the order of nucleotides on the partner molecule is the only thing that allows information to be transferred from cell-to-cell during division, and by extension from parents to offspring generationally.

To show the awesome beauty of the molecule I showed a great site in class: http://www.umass.edu/molvis/tutorials/dna/ This was put together by Dr. Eric Martz and he lets people use it for free.  I think being able to rotate and move the molecule, to zoom in, isolate nucleotide pairs, and all the features here are a great way to really appreciate how DNA works!

I encourage you to go to the site yourself and see what you can see.  The link I gave above is the hands-on part.  I thought I'd share with you my thoughts about this activity in a little movie (below).

Have fun!