Genetics

What is DNA? (Deoxyribonucleic acid) The genetic material of all organisms.

What is the importance of DNA? DNA’s double stranded structure allows for the process of replication. Particular genes on the DNA are selectively copied in a process known as transcription and then are used in translation.

Where is this DNA?

The Link Between Genes and Traits A gene is defined as a unit of heredity. Genes are described according to the way they affect the traits or characteristics of an organism.

The Structure of DNA

Base Pairs There are four base pairs in DNA: T = Thymine A = Adenine G = Guanine C = Cytosine

Complete the other strand A C G C G A T A T A G C T G A T G C G C T A T A T C G A C T

Codons Each group of 3 nucleotides is known as a codon. The sequence corresponds to a particular amino acid later on during translation.

Human Genome Project The largest internationally coordinated undertaking in the history of biological research. A great benefit from this project is the ability to identify our genes.

“Tests can be done to show the relative fragility of the DNA in a specific person. Fragility of DNA has been linked to a higher incidence of cancer. You are on the Board of Directors for a chemical company whose products have been shown to be carcinogenic but are very profitable. You must decide upon the company policies for hiring new staff and whether or not genetic testing will be done to determine the fragility of the prospective employee’s DNA in an effort to prevent a lawsuit in future years from the employee.” Ramifications of the Human Genome Project