Inheritance: DNA and the Genome and Alleles.

Question 1

What is the structure of DNA?

Answer 1

• Consist of 2 strands.
• Each strand is a polymer (Made by joining together lots of smaller molecules).
• ## 2 strands form a Double Helix.

Question 2

What is a gene?

Answer 2

• A small section of DNA on a chromosome.
• Determines a certain characteristics.
• Each gene encodes for a specific sequence of amino acids to make a specific protein.
• Both chromosomes in a pair have the same gene.

Question 3

What is a genome?

Answer 3

• Entire genetic material of an organism.

Benefits- Understanding human genome:

• help search for genes linked to diseases. (E.g: Gene that increases risk for cancer).
• Help understand and treat inherited disorders. (E.g: Cystic Fibrosis).
• Use the human genome to trace human migration patterns from the past. (Helps discover ancestry).

Question 4

What is an Alleles?

Answer 4

• Versions of a gene.

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Question 5

What is a genotype?

Answer 5

• Tells us the Allele present.

Question 6

What does homozygous mean?

Answer 6

• Two copies of the same Allele.

Question 7

What does Phenotype mean?

Answer 7

• Tells us the characteristics caused by the person’s alleles.

Question 8

What is hetrozygous?

Answer 8

• Two different Alleles.

Question 9

What is a dominant Allele?

Answer 9

• Will show in the phenotype even if there is only one copy present.

Question 10

What is a recessive Allele?

Answer 10

• Will only show in the phenotype if there are 2 copies present.
• No dominant.