4.6.1.4 DNA and the Genome Flashcards
1
Q
What is genetic material in the nucleus of a cell composed of?
A
genetic material in the nucleus of a cell is composed of a chemical called DNA
2
Q
What is the structure of DNA?
A
- DNA is a polymer made up of 2 strands forming a double helix
- the DNA is contained in structures called chromosomes
- between the 2 strands are the 4 nitrogenous bases lined up in single rows - these come together to form a series of complementary pairs
3
Q
Gene:
A
- a small section of DNA on a chromosome
- a triplet of bases codes for a specific protein
- each gene codes for a particular sequence of amino acids, together a chain of amino acids can join to make a protein
4
Q
Genome:
A
the entire genetic material of an organism
5
Q
How much of the human genome has been studied and how may this be important in the future?
A
the whole human genome has now been studied and this will have great importance for medicine in the future
6
Q
Importance of understanding the human genome:
A
- improved understanding through search for genes linked to different types of disease
- understanding and treatment of inherited disorders
- has helped in tracing human migration patterns from the past