DNA

• What does DNA stand for?

  Deoxyribonucleic acid
• What is the primary function of DNA?

  It contains coded information for organisms
• What determines an organism's inherited characteristics?

  What is in its DNA
• Where is DNA found in cells?

  In the nucleus
• What are chromosomes made of?

  Long molecules of DNA
• How do chromosomes typically exist in cells?

  In pairs
• What is the structure of DNA?

  Two strands coiled in a double helix
• What is a gene?

  A small section of DNA on a chromosome
• What does each gene code for?

  A specific sequence of amino acids
• How many amino acids are used to make proteins?

  Twenty
• What do genes instruct cells to do?

  Put amino acids together in order
• What type of proteins does DNA determine?

  Proteins like haemoglobin and keratin
• What does the type of protein produced determine?

  The type of cell it is
• What is the genome?

  The entire set of genetic material
• What have scientists worked out regarding the human genome?

  The complete human genome
• Why is understanding the human genome important?

  It aids in science and medicine
• How can scientists use the human genome?

  To identify genes linked to diseases
• What can knowing the genes linked to diseases help with?

  Understanding and developing treatments
• What can scientists trace using genomes?

  The migration of populations
• From where do all modern humans descend?

  A common ancestor in Africa
• What happens to genomes as populations migrate?

  They develop tiny differences
• How can investigating genomic differences help scientists?

  Determine migration routes and splits
• What is the significance of DNA in organisms?

  • Contains genetic instructions
  • Determines inherited characteristics
  • Essential for cell function and identity
• What are the roles of genes in protein synthesis?

  • Code for amino acid sequences
  • Determine protein types produced
  • Influence cell types and functions
• What are the implications of understanding the human genome?

  • Identifying disease-linked genes
  • Developing treatments for inherited diseases
  • Tracing human migration patterns