6.1.4: DNA and the genome
Not started yet — this one needs some love.
The genetic material in the nucleus of a cell is composed of a chemical called DNA.
DNA is a polymer made up of two strands forming a double helix.
The DNA is contained in structures called chromosomes.
A gene is a small section of DNA on a chromosome.
Each gene codes for a particular sequence of amino acids, to make a specific protein.
The genome of an organism is the entire genetic material of that organism.
Human genome knowledge is important for finding genes linked to disease, treating inherited disorders, and tracing human migration patterns from the past.
Common exam mistakes
Genome means all the genetic material of an organism, not one gene or one chromosome.
A gene codes for a sequence of amino acids to make a protein; do not describe genes as whole chromosomes.
Keep the scale clear: DNA is contained in chromosomes, and genes are small sections of DNA.
When explaining why the genome is useful, link it to inherited disorders, medicine, evolution or classification rather than saying only "it helps science".