The genome
I can describe what the genome is, its role and where it is stored in cells.
The genome
I can describe what the genome is, its role and where it is stored in cells.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Genetic material is stored in the nucleus of plant and animal cells, and in the cytoplasm of bacterial cells.
- Genetic material of organisms is made of a chemical substance called DNA, which is made up of smaller chemical units.
- The DNA in every cell is wound up into tightly-packed structures called chromosomes.
- Sections of chromosomes are called genes; short sections of DNA which carry instructions for features and processes.
- All the DNA in a cell is called the genome, the similarity of a genome indicates how similar individuals or species are.
Keywords
Nucleus - A structure in animal, plant and fungi cells that stores the genetic material (DNA).
DNA - A large chemical molecule made of smaller chemical groups, it carries the genetic code of all living organisms.
Chromosome - Structures made of tightly packaged DNA.
Gene - A short section of DNA that carries the genetic code to provide instructions for an inherited feature or process.
Genome - All of the DNA of an organism that codes for and controls the inherited features and processes.
Common misconception
That all DNA codes for features rather than processes that are shared by all living organisms; also that animals are the only living organism that have DNA.
Make the role of DNA in features and processes explicit, using non-animal examples. Re-iterate the common processes of living organisms, and therefore why there are similarities in the genome.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
a sub-cellular structure that stores DNA
a large chemical molecule made of smaller chemical groups
structures made of tightly packaged DNA
a short section of DNA
all of the DNA of an organism
