1. Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)  DNA is the genetic chemical that holds all the information that makes people different from each other as well as other organisms.  Each cell (depending on the species) has a certain number of chromosomes, each chromosome however is made up of DNA  DNA provides the directions that guide all cell operations (repair, growth, nutrient use, energy production, communication) Cell Chromosome DNA helix Nitrogen Bases

2. Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)  DNA is made up of a series of chemical called nitrogen bases, held together in a long winding helix.  The sequence or structure of these nitrogen bases make up the code that directs all cell functions.  The four nitrogen bases that make up the DNA “alphabet” are: Cytosine(C), Adenine (A), Thymine (T), Guanine (G)  Each helical strand can be thought to contain DNA words consisting of the 4 characters (C,A,T,G) that combine to make “stories” that are represented by chromosomes  DNA has the ability to perfectly replicate itself which allows cell division to occur

3. Cancer  Changes in the genetic code are called mutations.  Cancer is caused by a mutation in the gene which regulates cell division, which causes unregulated, uncontrolled cell growth.  Unlike normal body cells, cancer cells do not change shape and specialize as they mature (therefore they don’t act like body cells, have no function and use up many of the body’s resources)  Masses of cells are called Tumours  Benign tumours are harmless because they stay confined and do little damage.  Malignant tumours are more dangerous because they are able to spread through the body and effect vital organs