Define DNA
DNA stands for deoxyribonucleic acid. It is a hereditary element found in all living species. It comprises the genetic information needed for the synthesis of proteins within the cells.
What is the function of DNA?
The function of DNA is to store all the genetic information an organism needs to develop, function, and reproduce.
What is DNA used for?
It provides instructions for a cell as a genetic code for a particular protein for a specific function. Eg. Insulin or enzymes
What is the structure of DNA?
What are the bases?
Made up of linked strands in a double helix structure with sugar—phosphate—-sugar—phosphate, etc.
The links are made of pairs called bases (nitrogenous base)
A(adenine) -T(thymine)
C(cytosine) -G(guanine)
What is a gene?
A section of DNA that carries genetic code for a specific characteristic.
What are alleles?
Variations of one gene.
What does a nucleotide consist of?
Phosphate (circle), pentose sugar (pentagon), nitrogenous base (rectangle)
What is karyotyping?
A karyotype test is a type of genetic testing. It looks at the size, shape, and number of chromosomes in a sample of cells from your body.
It can identify chromosome abnormalities as the cause of malformation or disease.
The test can be performed on a sample of blood, bone marrow, amniotic fluid, or placental tissue.
How many chromosomes in a cell?
23 pairs, 46 total. Half from mother and the other half from father.
