Loop of DNA

Key Stage 3

Meaning

A diagram showing the loop of DNA in a bacterium.

A loop of DNA is found inside a bacterium

Function

Bacteria have no nucleus and the loop of DNA floats freely in the cytoplasm.

The loop of DNA provides instructions to the cell.

Key Stage 4

Meaning

A diagram showing the loop of DNA in an E.coli bacterium.

A loop of DNA is found inside a prokaryotic cell which has no nucleus.

Function

Prokaryotes have no nucleus and the loop of DNA floats freely in the cytoplasm.

The loop of DNA provides instructions to the cell indicating which proteins to synthesise.