Download Genes, Chromosomes, and DNA

Notes - DNA, Genes, and
Chromosomes
Cells and DNA
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All organisms are made of one or more
cells
With few exceptions, all cells contain DNA
All organisms have DNA
What is the relationship between
DNA, genes, and chromosomes?
1. DNA is found in all
living things and
carries the
instructions to make
proteins – A single
DNA strand holds
the information to
build many different
proteins
What is the relationship between
DNA, genes, and chromosomes?
2. Chromosomes are
strands of DNA that
are coiled up – A
chromosome holds
the information to
build many different
proteins
Why does DNA exist in two forms?
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The DNA instructions can only be “read”
and copied when the strand is unwound
During cell division, the copied DNA must
be sorted and separated into two new
cells - In order to prevent the strands from
getting tangled and damaged during cell
division, they are wound into
chromosomes
What is the relationship between
DNA, genes, and chromosomes?
3. Genes are pieces of DNA that hold the
information to build 1 type of protein – A
chromosome has many genes
What is the relationship between
DNA, genes, and chromosomes?
Analogy
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Chromosomes are like
phone books because
chromosomes have
many genes just like
phone books have
many phone numbers
Analogy
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Genes are like phone
numbers because
genes hold the
information to build 1
specific protein just
like phone numbers
hold the information
to call 1 specific place
385-4230
calls Stratford
High School
DNA, Gene, Chromosome
Animation
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http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/interactiv
es/dna.swf