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 a strand of DNA found floating freely in the cytoplasm of a prokaryotic cell.

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.