DNA (The Basics)

Question 1

What is the function of DNA?

Answer 1

DNA stores hereditary information and determines an organism’s structural and functional traits.

Question 2

Where is DNA located in eukaryotes vs. prokaryotes?

Answer 2

In eukaryotes, DNA is in the nucleus. In prokaryotes, DNA is found in the cytoplasm.

Question 3

What is a gene?

Answer 3

A gene is a specific segment of DNA that codes for a protein or RNA product.

Question 4

What’s the difference between a gene and a genome?

Answer 4

A gene is a single instruction (for one protein). A genome is the entire set of DNA instructions in an organism.

Question 5

What are the three types of DNA replication models?

Answer 5

• Conservative: One complete old DNA, one complete new.
• Dispersive: Mix of old and new pieces throughout both strands.
• Semiconservative: Each new DNA has one old strand and one new strand (this is correct).