The genome
The The complete set of DNA found in an organism. is the entire genetic material of an organism. It is found in the nucleus of a cell, and is composed of a chemical called Deoxyribonucleic acid. The material inside the nucleus of cells, carrying the genetic information of a living being.. The study of the structure and function of the genome is called The study of the structure and function of genomes. This includes gene sequencing and bioinformatics..
DNA is a A large molecule formed from many identical smaller molecules known as monomers. - a large and complex molecule. The Small molecule, usually containing a C=C bond, that can join end to end with other monomers to form a polymer molecule. that make it are called The units or molecules of which DNA is composed.. DNA is made up of two strands forming a twisted ladder structure called a The shape of the DNA molecule, with two strands twisted together in a spiral.. The nucleotides are arranged along the DNA to form a code. This The code formed by the order of the bases in DNA that determines an organism's characteristics., determines the characteristics of a living Living entity, eg animals, plants or microorganisms..
Genomes of different organisms
Genetic material for An organism whose cells contain DNA which is surrounded by a membrane-bound nucleus. is in their The nucleus controls what happens inside the cell. Chromosomes are structures found in the nucleus of most cells. The plural of nucleus is nuclei.. A single-celled organism which does not have a membrane-bound nucleus. such as bacteria do not have nuclei. Their genetic material is in the cytoplasm and includes small loops of DNA called Circular pieces of DNA found in bacteria, which can act as a vector to transfer DNA from one organism to another..
Genes and chromosomes
Many nucleotides form each gene. A gene is a small section of genetic code in the DNA of a chromosome. Each gene codes for a particular sequence of The building blocks that make up a protein molecule. in order to make a specific protein. It is a unit of Genetic information that determines an organism's characteristics, passed on from one generation to another. To do with passing genes to an offspring from its parent or parents., and may be copied and passed on to the next generation.
This diagram shows the relationship between the cell, its nucleus, chromosomes in the nucleus, and genes.
Scientists now know that genes only make up a small part of an organism's DNA. Most DNA - 98.5 per cent in humans - does not code for proteins. Instead, it seems to be important in controlling When genes are instructed to make gene products, mostly proteins. Controlling gene expression means controlling which proteins are made by the cell.. This means it controls when genes are 'read' to make proteins.
The genes and non-coding DNA are mixed together in the The structure made of DNA that codes for all the characteristics of an organism.. These are long threads of DNA, which carry the genetic code. An organism's genetic code is made up of many genes.