DNA

Question 1

What is DNA and what does it do?

Answer 1

Deoxyribonucleic acid, s a complex molecule that contains all of the information necessary to build and maintain an organism. All living things have DNA within their cells. In fact, nearly every cell in a multicellular organism possesses the full set of DNA required for that organism.

Question 2

What are chromosomes?

Answer 2

A structure found inside the nucleus of a cell. A chromosome is made up of proteins and DNA organized into genes. Each cell normally contains 23 pairs of chromosomes.

Question 3

What are genes?

Answer 3

The basic unit of heredity passed from parent to child. Genes are made up of sequences of DNA and are arranged, one after another, at specific locations on chromosomes in the nucleus of cells.

Question 4

What are alleles?

Answer 4

One of two or more versions of a genetic sequence at a particular region on a chromosome. An individual inherits two alleles for each gene, one from each parent.

Question 5

What is the process of mitosis, and what is the purpose?

Answer 5

one cell divides once to form two identical cells. The major purpose of mitosis is for growth and to replace worn out cells.