6.1.4 DNA and the genome Flashcards
(7 cards)
1
Q
define genome
A
entire set of genetic information within an organism
2
Q
What is the genetic material in the nucleus of a cell composed of?
A
A chemical called DNA.
3
Q
What is DNA
A
A polymer made up of two strands forming a double helix
4
Q
What structures is DNA contained in?
A
chromosomes
5
Q
What is a gene? What do genes do?
A
A gene is a small section of DNA on a chromosome
Each gene codes for a particular sequence of amino acids, to make a specific protein
6
Q
Has the whole human genome been studied?
A
Yes and this will have great importance for medicine in the future
7
Q
3 reasons why understanding the human genome is important
A
- search for genes linked to different types of disease - help improve treatments
- understanding and treatment of inherited disorders
- use in tracing human migration patterns from the past
