DNA and the genome

• Chromosomes (in cells) - contain DNA which is genetic material because it determines our inherited features and both chromosomes in a pair contain the SAME genes
• Gene - small section of DNA in a chromosome - each gene codes for a sequence of amino acids which make up a protein (eg blood type gene -> codes amino acids for the protein that determines blood type)
• Genome - entire genetic material that makes a human
• Benefits of studying human genome-

  • helps to search for GENES LINKED to a DISEASE
  • helps to understand/treat INHERITED DISORDERS
  • can trace HUMAN MIGRATION from the past
• Structure of DNA

  • dna is a polymer of molecules made from nucleotides
  • Nucleotides have 3 molecule parts:
  • in dna the phosphate group and sugar molecule NEVER change but the base does

  
• complimentary bases - C and G
• Complimentary bases - A and T
• The 4 bases- A T C G and A and T (C and G) are always complimentary and always pair on the dna strands