Cells & Intro to DNA

Question 1

What is DNA?

Answer 1

DNA is in the nucleus of every living cell. It holds your genetic instructions (like a recipe book for your body). All your body cells have the same DNA.

Question 2

What is DNA made of?

Answer 2

DNA looks like a twisted ladder (called a double helix). It’s made of tiny parts called nucleotides.

Question 3

What are nucleotides?

Answer 3

Each nucleotide has: A sugar, A phosphate, A base (this is the part that holds the code).

Question 4

What are the DNA bases?

Answer 4

There are 4 types of bases: A = Adenine, T = Thymine, C = Cytosine, G = Guanine.

Question 5

How do DNA bases pair up?

Answer 5

A pairs with T, C pairs with G.

Question 6

What is a gene?

Answer 6

A gene is a short section of DNA. Each gene gives instructions for a specific trait (like hair colour or height).

Question 7

What are chromosomes?

Answer 7

DNA is packed into chromosomes so it fits inside the nucleus. Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes (46 in total). Chromosomes help during cell division to make sure DNA is copied properly.

Question 8

What is the difference between genotype and phenotype?

Answer 8

Genotype = your DNA code. Phenotype = your physical traits (what you look like). Your traits (like eye colour) come from your genes.