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.
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.
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.
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).
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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
