If you look at life on this planet, there is staggering variety. From pine trees to porcupines, and seaweed to stegosaurs, living things have evolved and adapted into almost every form imaginable. However, despite all these differences, there is one strand that connects all life: DNA. Read on to discover what this fascinating molecule is, and how scientists studying it are uncovering life’s biggest secrets.
Look inside
If you look at any organism (living thing) up close under a microscope, whether it is a plant, animal, fungus or even bacteria, you will start to see some similarities between them. First of all you will see cells. These structures are tiny bags of mostly water, as well as some very important chemicals needed for life, including DNA.
DNA is basically a detailed list of instructions. Within its snaking structure, it contains all the information needed to create each organism – what it will look like and how it will work. Despite its vital role, it is surprisingly simple. DNA is a long twisting ladder, made up of two strands of sugars that are linked together by rungs made of four different molecules, called bases.
A simple code
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Denne historien er fra Issue 66-utgaven av The Week Junior Science+Nature UK.
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Camera Obscura
Imagine stepping inside a dark room, where the only source of light comes through one small hole in the wall.
MANCHESTER SCIENCE FESTIVAL
From 18-27 October, shoppers at the Arndale shopping centre in Manchester, England, will face a giant spider.
Should musicians stop touring?
Multiple concerts travelling around the world have a big impact on the environment.
Are ghosts real?
Plenty of people believe in ghosts, but it's hard to find proof.
SMASH STEREOTYPES
In an extract from his prize-winning book, scientist and writer Adam Rutherford shows you how to use the power of science to fight racism. This chapter, titled Myth-Busting, is all about sport.
Animal awareness
What would it feel like to be another animal?
Hamza Yassin
Go behind the camera with a wildlife filmmaker.
WILDLIFE WATCH
Ben Hoare goes on a safari from his sofa to discover how nature documentaries are made.
Big bum breakthrough
A team of researchers who found out that mammals can breathe through their bottoms have won a prize at the lg Nobel awards.
A jaw-dropping undersea snap
A photograph of a Bryde's whale feeding on a heart-shaped \"bait ball\" of sardines has won the Ocean Photographer of the Year contest.
