AQA Biology 4.6.1.4 · Combined 4.6.1.3
DNA and the genome
Zoom from a cell to a single gene, then see what reading the whole human genome is for.
Triple Science · Higher tier
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Your mother’s nose.
Someone says you have your mother’s nose.
If you had to guess, is the instruction for that kept in nearly every cell of your body, or only in some cells?
Genetic material
Cell to gene.
The genetic material in the nucleus of a cell is a chemical called DNA. Zoom in, one level at a time.
A body cell. Its genetic material is in the nucleus.
What DNA is made of
DNA’s repeating units and how its two strands pair up are their own lesson, DNA structure (Triple; base pairing is Triple Higher).
The genome
The human genome.
The genome of an organism is the entire genetic material of that organism. The whole human genome has now been studied, and this will have great importance for medicine in the future. Tap each reason it matters.
How chromosomes are shared out to gametes: Meiosis.
Think again · gene or chromosome?
“A gene and a chromosome are the same thing.”
Your call
ChooseHow are a gene and a chromosome related?
Sort
Which term?
Place each description.
Tap a card, then tap the box it belongs in. Tap a placed card to take it back.
Command words in this lesson
- Describe
- How DNA, chromosomes and genes are related.
- Discuss
- The importance of understanding the human genome.
- Define
- Genome and gene, in the spec’s words.
Key fact
DNA is a polymer of two strands forming a double helix, in chromosomes. A gene is a small section of DNA that codes for a particular sequence of amino acids, to make a specific protein.
Key note · AQA 4.6.1.4 (Combined 4.6.1.3)
DNA and the genome
- The genetic material in the nucleus is DNA: a polymer of two strands forming a double helix, contained in chromosomes.
- A gene is a small section of DNA on a chromosome. It codes for a particular sequence of amino acids, to make a specific protein.
- The genome is the entire genetic material of an organism. The whole human genome has now been studied.
- Importance: genes linked to disease; inherited disorders; tracing human migration patterns.
Photograph this card. Tomorrow, cover it and say each line first.
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Mixing up gene, chromosome and genome?
The zoom figures are schematic and not to scale.