DNA, Genetics and Mutations 2022

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What is DNA?

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DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) is the molecule that carries the genetic instructions for life. It is composed of two strands that coil around each other to form a double helix.

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What are chromosomes?

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Chromosomes are long, thread-like structures made of DNA and proteins that contain genetic information. Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes.

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What is a gene?

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A gene is a segment of DNA that contains the instructions for making a specific protein or set of proteins, which determine traits.

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What is the difference between genotype and phenotype?

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Genotype refers to the genetic makeup of an organism (the alleles it carries), while phenotype is the observable characteristics or traits of that organism.

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What are alleles?

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Alleles are different versions of a gene that can exist at a specific locus on a chromosome. For example, the gene for flower color may have a purple allele and a white allele.

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What is a mutation?

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A mutation is a change in the DNA sequence that can lead to changes in the structure and function of proteins, potentially resulting in different traits.

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What is mitosis?

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Mitosis is the process of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells, each with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell.

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What are the stages of mitosis?

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The stages of mitosis are prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.

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What happens during the S phase of the cell cycle?

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During the S phase (Synthesis phase), DNA is replicated, resulting in two copies of each chromosome.

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What is the cell cycle?

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The cell cycle is the series of events that cells go through as they grow and divide, including G1, S, G2, and mitosis.