Activity sheets

Question 1

Why do you think it is important that DNA is tightly coiled during cell division?

Answer 1

The tight coiling compacts the long DNA strands to fit within the cell. This ensures that chromosomes are distinct and are accurately separate, maintaining the integrity of the genetic information especially during cell division, reducing the risk of genetic abnormalities.

Question 2

What could happen if a cell began dividing with loosely wound DNA

Answer 2

It can cause the DNA strands to break leading to improper segregation, resulting in genetic mutations.

Question 3

Why do chromosomes return to a more relaxed state following cell division?

Answer 3

This allows genes to be expressed and proteins to be synthesized making it accessible for replication.

It needs to be in this flexible state for the cell to respond to various signals and stresses, ensuring the cell can efficiently carry out its functions and prepare for future divisions.

Question 4

Do you think you can reverse aging with telomeres?

Answer 4

Reverse aging with telomeres is possible and it will need advancement in technology to make it a reality. Activation of telomerase might be the focus. Lifestyle factors are primarily considered that can contribute to this possibility but rather to reverse, it can help preserve the telomere length and potentially slow down the aging process.

Question 5

What are the three types of RNA and their functions?

Answer 5

mRNA - carries the template from transcription in nucleus to the cytoplasm for translation
tRNA - transfers the amino acids at the ribosomal site for protein synthesis
rRNA - catalytic component; combines with proteins to form ribosome

Question 6

What places in the cell would you find RNA? (and what types are where?)

Answer 6

Nucleus - mRNA
Cytoplasm
- mRNA
-rRNA
-tRNA

Question 7

Why do you think only RNA can be found outside of the nucleus?

Answer 7

DNA is confined in the nucleus where transcription occurs, producing RNA. And only RNA goes out to the cytoplasm to translate the genetic code (from transcription) to be converted into proteins (translation). Ribosomes are in the cytoplasm which is the site of protein synthesis where, rRNA is a key component. It is also where tRNA brings amino acids to during translation and; where mRNA brings the genetic information from the nucleus to. That is why only RNA can be found outside of the nucleus.

Question 8

Extra on 21 chromosome

Answer 8

Trisomy 21

Question 9

Trisomy 21 disease

Answer 9

Down’s syndrome

Question 10

Extra X chromosome on male disease

Answer 10

Klinefelter’s syndrome

Question 11

Extra on 13 chromosome

Answer 11

Trisomy 13

Question 12

Percent: 9

Answer 12

56.25

Question 13

Percent: 3

Answer 13

18.75

Question 14

Percent: 2

Answer 14

12.5

Question 15

Percent: 1

Answer 15

6.25

Question 16

Why is DNA the Blueprint of Life

Answer 16

DNA have these codes in the sequence of its nitrogenous bases that would serve as a template or blueprint for the production of proteins. It will be copied in transcription which will then be translated to form the structures of protein.

Question 17

The rungs of the DNA “ladder”

Answer 17

nitrogenous base pairs

Question 18

The sides of the DNA “ladder”

Answer 18

pentose sugar and phosphate backbone