DNA

Question 1

what is DNA?

Answer 1

the molecule that carries the genetic code, made up of nucleotides in a double helix structure.

Question 2

what is a chromosome?

Answer 2

a long molecule of DNA that carries genetic information

Question 3

what is a gene?

Answer 3

a length of DNA that codes for a particular trait (eye colour etc.)

Question 4

what is an allele?

Answer 4

an alternative form of a gene (brown eyes/blue eyes)

Question 5

what is a genotype

Answer 5

the combination of alleles for a particular trait (one allele from each parent).

Question 6

what is a phenotype

Answer 6

the physical expression of the genotype

Question 7

what are proteins?

Answer 7

molecules made up of chains of amino acids, produced by DNA

Question 8

what role/s do proteins play in the body?

Answer 8

they shape physical traits, some build structures in the body, or act as enzymes that speed up chemical reactions.

Question 9

what is the structure of DNA?

Answer 9

DNA is a double helix with it’s side made of alternating deoxyribose sugars and phosphate groups, formed by pairs of nitrogenous bases (A,T,C,G)

Question 10

why is DNA described as a double helix?

Answer 10

because of it’s two strands and twisted shape

Question 11

what is a triplet?

Answer 11

a series of three bases in DNA, each triplet codes for a specific amino acid