DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and other naturally occurring polymers — AQA GCSE Chemistry
Test yourself on DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and other naturally occurring polymers with AQA GCSE practice questions.
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DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and other naturally occurring polymers explained
DNA is a naturally occurring polymer with a very large molecular size, which is why it is described as a large molecule or macromolecule.
Read the full explanation
It is essential for life because it stores the information that living organisms need to grow, develop and function, and it is passed from parents to offspring. In chemistry terms, DNA is a polymer made from repeating monomer units called nucleotides. Its large size allows it to carry a very long sequence of coded information in a stable form inside cells. For example, the instructions for making proteins are encoded in the order of nucleotides along a DNA chain. You should be able to state that DNA is a large molecule, recognise it as a natural polymer and explain its importance to living organisms.
Your focus
- State that DNA is a large naturally occurring molecule.
- Describe DNA as a polymer built from nucleotides.
- Explain why DNA is essential for life in terms of storing genetic information.
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and other naturally occurring polymers exam tips
Marking Points
- DNA is a naturally occurring polymer rather than a synthetic one.
- DNA is a very large molecule, often described as a macromolecule.
- DNA carries coded information needed by living organisms.
- DNA is essential for life because it stores and transmits genetic information.
- DNA is built from repeating monomer units called nucleotides.
Examiner Tips
- 💡Use the phrase naturally occurring polymer when describing DNA.
- 💡State that DNA is a large molecule and give its role in storing genetic information.
- 💡Link the size of DNA to its ability to carry a long coded sequence.
- 💡Avoid vague statements such as DNA is important; specify what it stores and why that matters.
Common Mistakes
- Describing DNA as a small molecule: the error is ignoring its polymer nature; the correction is that DNA is a very large molecule made of many repeating units.
- Classifying DNA as a synthetic polymer: the error is overlooking its natural origin; the correction is that DNA is a naturally occurring polymer found in living organisms.
- Saying DNA is essential for all viruses: the error is assuming all viruses use DNA; the correction is that DNA is essential for all living organisms, but many viruses (which are not strictly living) use RNA instead.