DNA and the genome

• Chromosomes


  Contain the molecule DNA, the genetic material, as it determines our inherited features
• DNA


  • Consists of two strands
  • Each strand is a polymer
  • They wrap around each other to form a double helix structure
• Gene


  A small section of DNA on a chromosome
• Gene for blood type


  • Found on chromosome 9
• Gene


  Encodes for a specific sequence of amino acids to make a specific protein
• Blood type gene


  • Encodes for a sequence of amino acids for the protein that determines blood type
• Humans have thousands of genes
• Both chromosomes in a pair have the same genes
• Genome


  The entire genetic material of an organism
• Understanding the human genome

  • Helps search for genes linked to disease
  • Helps understand and treat inherited disorders
• Diseases


  • Cancer
  • Alzheimer's disease
  • Cystic fibrosis
• Using the human genome

  • Trace human migration patterns
  • Discover ancestry