The Cell Cycle

Genetic Material in Living Organisms

• DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) is the primary genetic material in all living organisms, serving as the blueprint for life.
• It carries the hereditary information necessary for growth, development, reproduction, and functioning of living entities.

Form of DNA in Cells

• DNA in cells exists primarily in a double helix structure, which is composed of two long strands twisted around each other.
• In eukaryotic cells, DNA is organized into linear chromosomes located within the nucleus, while in prokaryotic cells, it is typically circular and free-floating in the cytoplasm.

Function of DNA in Cells

• DNA's main function is to store and transmit genetic information. It dictates the synthesis of proteins through the processes of transcription and translation.
• It controls cellular functions and the organism's traits by encoding specific instructions for building proteins necessary for various biological processes.

Learning Competency Related to Cell Cycle

• A specific learning competency involves characterizing the phases of the cell cycle, including interphase, mitosis, and cytokinesis, alongside their control points, which regulate cell division and growth.

Types of Traits Coded by DNA

• DNA codes for both physical traits, such as eye color and height, and biochemical traits, such as enzyme production and metabolic functions.
• These traits are expressed through specific sequences of nucleotides, which determine the characteristics of an organism.