B6 - Inheritance, Variation And Evolution

Question 1

What is DNA?

Answer 1

A polymer made up of two strands coiled into a double helix.

Question 2

What are chromosomes?

Answer 2

Long molecules of DNA that normally come in pairs.

Question 3

How many pairs of chromosomes do humans have?

Answer 3

23 pairs
The 23rd pair carries gens which decide a persons sex.

Question 4

What is a gene and what does each gene code for?

Answer 4

A small section of DNA found on a chromosome.
Codes for a particular sequence of amino acids which are put together. To make a specific protein.

Question 5

What is a genome?

Answer 5

An organisms entire set of genetic material.

Question 6

What is the human genome?

Answer 6

1. Genes linked to disease can be identified.
2. This helps us better understand inherited diseases, so we can develop effective treatments.
3. Tiny differences in peoples genome can be studied.
4. This helps us trace the migration patterns of past human populations.