DNA is the most important for life Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

DNA is the most important for life - Essay Example This essay argues the DNA is the most important molecule for life. Deoxyribonucleic acid or DNA is a nucleic molecule that functions as one of the most central aspects of living organisms. Contained within DNA are the fundamental aspects of all living things; in these regards, DNA functions as a sort of encyclopedic instruction manual for all elements within the human genetic system. Another way of viewing DNA is as a blueprint for the living organism. When new components, including RNA or proteins need to be constructed, it is the DNA that determines how these elements will be constituted. Figure 1 below demonstrates the basic DNA genetic components. It’s for these reasons it’s clear DNA is more important to the construction of life than these components. While DNA is recognized as an essential blueprint for all living organisms, it all contains a number of important live creating and sustaining functions within these organisms. One such function is that of transcription. Within DNA there are genes, which are strands of material that influence the constitution of living elements (Cooper). These genes contain genetic components influence the organism’s phenotype through transcription processes. This transcription process functions through informing the sequences of RNA and protein. During this process the codons of a gene are implemented in transcribing RNA polymerase (Pollard). This process is then decoded through ribosomes that read the base-pairing messenger elements. This process occurs in a great variety of life producing ways, with sixty-four possible combinations, making DNA a core element for daily life. This process is witnessed below in Fig. 2. Fig. 2 Transcription Another core function of DNA that makes it the most important molecule for life is witnessed in its interaction with protein in the body. All components of protein interaction rely on DNA. Some of the most notable elements in terms of life-producing components occur in the domain of structural proteins. In the interaction between DNA and structural proteins, the important life-producing element of chromatin is produced (Van Holde). This element is used for the important life functions of mitosis and meiosis. Ultimately, it’s the combination of these elements that make DNA the most important molecule for life in living organisms. In conclusion, this essay has demonstrated that Deoxyribonucleic acid or DNA functions as the most important molecule for life in living organisms. While DNA functions in countless and complex ways, this essay has considered what it considers to be the most prominent such aspects. In these regards, DNA’s function as the blueprint of the living organism is considered as its primary function. In addition to this component, DNA also functions in transcription processes and in the development of chromatin. Ultimately, it’s the combination of these elements that makes DNA the most important component in living organisms. References Cooper, Geoffrey M. 2000. The Cell, 2nd edition, A Molecular Approach. Pollard, T. 2002. Cell Biology. Saunders. Van Holde KE. 1989. Chromatin. New York: