Exploring the Basics of Genes and DNA

The video explains that the human body is composed of 50 trillion cells, each containing a nucleus with most of our genes and mitochondria with a few more. DNA, a long molecule, holds nearly 20,000 genes and is tightly coiled to fit in a cell nucleus. DNA's structure includes sugar, phosphate, and four bases that form the genetic code, determining species differences. Genes are recipes for proteins, passed from parents to offspring, influencing traits like hair type. Chromosomes, organized DNA, vary across species, with humans having 46. Humans share significant DNA with other species, like chimpanzees and monkeys, but small variations make us unique.

What percentage of genes are located in the nucleus of almost every cell?

• 99.9%

• 50%

• 75%

• 98.5%

What molecule is described as a long chain containing all of your genes?

• Protein

• DNA

• Chromosome

• RNA

Which base is not a part of the DNA structure?

• Cytosine

• Adenine

• Thymine

• Uracil

What determines whether you are a human, chimp, cow, or banana?

• The number of chromosomes

• The sequence of DNA bases

• The size of the nucleus

• The number of genes

How are most genes used in the body?

• To form cell membranes

• To produce specific proteins

• To generate RNA

• To create energy

What do gene regulators do?

• Replicate DNA

• Turn genes on and off

• Change the DNA sequence

• Produce more cells

How many chromosomes do humans usually have?

• 46

• 30

• 21

• 24

How many pairs of chromosomes do fruit flies have?

• 39

• 11

• 4

• 21

What percentage of DNA do humans share with chimpanzees?

• 75%

• 93%

• 98.5%

• 99.5%

What makes humans different from one another?

• SNPs

• The amount of DNA

• The size of the chromosomes

• The number of genes