DNA, THE GENOME, STRUCTURE

• DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)

  • Found in the NUCLEUS in CHROMOSOMES
  • DNA is the GENETIC material -> determines our INHERITED features
  • 2 strands- each is a POLYMER
  • These strands WRAP around each other to form a DOUBLE HELIX
• GENE:

  • Small SECTION of DNA on a CHROMOSOME
  • Each gene ENCODES for a specific SEQUENCE of AMINO acids- to make a specific PROTEIN
  • EXAMPLE: (blood TYPE gene -> ENCODES the SEQUENCE of AMINO acids for the PROTEIN that determines BLOOD type)
• GENOME:

  • Entire GENETIC material of an ORGANISM
• THE HUMAN GENOME HAS BEEN STUDIED- BENEFITS:


  • Can search for the GENES linked to DISEASE e.g. genes that increase the risk of CANCER, Alzheimer's
  • Understand and treat INHERITED disorders e.g. CYSTIC FIBROSIS
  • Trace human MIGRATION patterns from the PAST so that people can discover their ANCESTRY
• DNA: (structure)

  • POLYMER of molecules called NUCLEOTIDES
• STRUCTURE OF DNA:

  • The PHOSPHATE group & SUGAR molecule never CHANGE
  • Bases- A C G T

  A) Phosphate group

  B) Sugar molecule

  C) BASE

  
• KEY POINT:

  • DNA strands are COMPLIMENTARY (GCAT)
  • Same bases- PAIR on the 2 STRANDS