Understanding DNA: The Molecule of Life
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Questions and Answers

Where is DNA located in the body?

  • In the cell membrane
  • In the cytoplasm of cells
  • Inside the nucleus of cells (correct)
  • Within the mitochondria of cells

    • What are chromosomes composed of?

  • Tightly bound packages of DNA (correct)
  • RNA and proteins
  • Lipids and carbohydrates
  • Enzymes and hormones

    • Which statement about genes is true?

  • Genes are composed of lipids and proteins
  • Genes tell cells how to build carbohydrates
  • Each person has only one copy of each gene
  • Genes are stretches of DNA that tell cells how to build proteins (correct)

    • What can lead to genetic mutations?

    <p>Inherited factors and exposure to harmful environmental factors</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can cells do when genetic mutations occur?

    <p>Cells can often repair a genetic mutation before it becomes permanent</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of DNA in cells?

    <p>Helping cells make proteins</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How is a strand of DNA structured?

    <p>Double helix with three chemical building blocks</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the chemical bases in DNA?

    <p>Adenine, Cytosine, Guanine, Thymine</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the sequence of base pairs in DNA determine?

    <p>Genetic code</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Approximately how many bases does human DNA have?

    <p>Three billion</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    DNA Location in the Body

    • DNA is primarily located in the cell nucleus, organized within chromosomes.
    • Smaller amounts of DNA can also be found in mitochondria, known as mitochondrial DNA.

    Composition of Chromosomes

    • Chromosomes are composed of tightly coiled DNA and associated proteins called histones.
    • This structure allows DNA to fit within the cell nucleus, while also regulating gene expression.

    Truth About Genes

    • Genes serve as the instructions for producing proteins and dictate various biological functions.
    • Each gene occupies a specific location on a chromosome.

    Causes of Genetic Mutations

    • Genetic mutations can result from environmental factors, such as radiation and chemicals, or biological factors, such as errors in DNA replication.
    • Inherited mutations passed from parents to offspring also contribute to genetic variation.

    Cellular Response to Genetic Mutations

    • Cells can either repair mutations through various repair mechanisms or undergo apoptosis (programmed cell death) if the damage is irreparable.
    • In some cases, mutations may lead to cancer if they occur in genes that regulate cell division.

    Function of DNA in Cells

    • DNA stores the genetic blueprint that guides cell development, functioning, and reproduction.
    • It plays a crucial role in heredity by passing traits from one generation to the next.

    Structure of a DNA Strand

    • A DNA strand has a double helix structure, resembling a twisted ladder.
    • The backbone consists of alternating sugar (deoxyribose) and phosphate groups, while the rungs comprise pairs of nitrogenous bases.

    Chemical Bases in DNA

    • The four chemical bases in DNA are adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G).
    • Base pairing occurs specifically between adenine and thymine, and between cytosine and guanine.

    Determinants of Base Pair Sequence

    • The sequence of base pairs in DNA encodes the information necessary for building proteins and influencing traits.
    • It determines the specific traits and biological processes of an organism.

    Approximate Number of Bases in Human DNA

    • Human DNA contains approximately 3 billion base pairs.
    • This extensive sequence encodes the vast diversity of human traits and biological functions.

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    Description

    Explore the intricacies of DNA and its importance in living organisms. Learn about the role of DNA in protein production and its significance in the functioning of cells.

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