DNA - Updated

• Understanding the human genome enables us to: Search for genes linked to different types of disease, understand inherited disorders and their treatment, trace human migration patterns from the past
• The genetic material in the nucleus of a cell is composed of a chemical called DNA.
• DNA is a polymer, large and complex molecule.
• DNA is made up from two strands forming a twisted ladder structure called a double helix.
• DNA carries the genetic code, which determines the characteristics of a living organism.
• DNA can be cut up and seperated, which can form a ''bar code'' that is different from one person to the next.
• Chromosomes are long threats of DNA which are made up of many genes.
• A gene is a small section of DNA in a chromosome.
• Each Gene codes for a particular sequence of amino acids in order to make a specific protein.
• Genes are the unit of heredity, and can be copied and pasted on to the next generation.