DNA Flashcards
(14 cards)
What does DNA stand for ?
DeoxyriboNucleic Acid
What is DNA ?
It’s the chemical that all of the genetic material in a cell is made up from
What does DNA contain ?
Coded information - basically all the instructions to put an organism together and make it work
Where is DNA found ?
DNA is found in the nucleus of animal and plant cells, in really long structures called chromosomes (normally they come in pairs)
How is DNA a polymer ?
It’s made up of two strand coiled together in the shape of a double helix
What is a gene ?
A small section of DNA found on a chromosome
What does each gene code for ?
a particular sequence of amino acids which are put together to make a specific protein
How many amino acids are used ?
Only 20 acids are used, but they make up thousands of different proteins
What do genes tell cells ?
in what order to put the amino acids together
What does DNA determine ?
What proteins the cell produces, that in turn determines what type of cell it is
What does every organism have ?
Genome
What is a Genome ?
It is a fancy term for the entire set of genetic material in an organism
Why is understanding the human genome really important tool for science and medicine for many reasons ?
- Allows scientists to identify genes in the gene none that are linked to different types of disease
- Knowing what genes are linked to inherited diseases could help us to understand them better and could help us to develop effective treatments
Why is it important that scientists understand the human genome to trace the migration of certain populations around the world ?
All modern humans are descended from a common ancestor from Africa, as different poole migrated away from Africa, they developed differences in their genomes. These tell scientists when new populations spilt off in a different direction and what route they took
