Genetic Variation and Control Flashcards
Where in a cell do we find genetic information?
DNA
What is a chromosome?
The cell’s nucleus contains chromosomes made from long DNA molecules
What is a gene?
A gene is a short section of DNA. Each gene codes for a specific protein by specifying the order in which amino acids must be joined together.
What is DNA?
DNA (deoxyribose nucleic acid) molecules are large and complex. They carry the genetic code that determines the characteristics of a living thing.
Except for identical twins, each person’s DNA is unique. This is why people can be identified using DNA fingerprinting. DNA can be cut up and separated, forming a sort of ‘bar code’ that is different from one person to the next.
What is a gamete?
Gametes are sex cells. The male gametes are the sperm, and the female gametes are the eggs.
Gametes contain one set of genetic information, while body cells contain two sets of genetic information.
What is genetic variation?
Genetic variation is a term used to describe the variation in the DNA sequence in each of our genomes. Individuals of a species have similar characteristics but they are rarely identical, the difference between them is called variation.
What is environmental variation?
Our genetic make-up, the sum total of our genes, is called a genotype, but the characteristics which show up in our appearance are called a phenotype.
How many chromosomes do humans have?
46
