Topic 5- Genes, DNA, Chromosomes

Question 1

What is DNA?

Answer 1

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is the molecule that carries the genetic instructions used for the development, functioning, growth, and reproduction of all known living organisms.

Question 2

What is a Gene?

Answer 2

A gene is a segment of DNA that contains the instructions to make a specific protein through the order of the nucleotide bases.

Question 3

What is a Chromosome?

Answer 3

A chromosome is a long, coiled structure made of DNA and proteins (mainly histones) that carries genetic information.

Question 4

What is a histone?

Answer 4

A histone is a type of protein that DNA wraps around to form a compact, organized structure called chromatin.

Question 5

What is a Chromatin?

Answer 5

Chromatin is the complex of DNA and proteins (mainly histones) that forms chromosomes inside the nucleus

Question 6

What is a Nucleosome?

Answer 6

A section of supercoiled DNA around histones

Question 7

What is mRNA?

Answer 7

single strand of RNA formed by transcription of a DNA template in the nucleus; mRNA carries a copy of a genetic information into the cytoplasm

Question 8

What are alleles?

Answer 8

the different forms of a particular gene

Question 9

What is a Genotype?

Answer 9

both the double set of genetic instructions present in a diploid organism and the genetic make-up of an organism at one particular gene locus

Question 10

Define Fertilization

Answer 10

the union of egg and sperm to form a zygote

Question 11

What are Gametes?

Answer 11

Egg or Sperm cell

Question 12

What is Diploid(2n)?

Answer 12

having two copies of each specific chromosome in each set

Question 13

What is Haploid(2n)?

Answer 13

having on copy of each specific chromosome in each set