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Earth Science 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 -:- Life Science 1 - 2 - 3 - 3b - 4 - 4b - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 - 12 -:- Physical Science 3

Other Chapters' Notes:

Earth Science 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 -:- Life Science 1 - 2 - 3 - 3b - 4 - 4b - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 - 12 -:- Physical Science 3

 

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Life Science Chapter 6 - Summary Notes

 

Structure-what is DNA composed of?

Function-how does DNA work?

Application-how does understanding genetics benefit us?

 

Structure:

·        Genes are located on chromosomes, which are in the nucleus of most cells.

·        Chromosomes are made of protein and DNA, short for deoxyribonucleic acid.

·        DNA is made of four subunits known as nucleotides.  Each nucleotide has a sugar, a phosphate, and a base.

·        The four bases are adenine, thymine, guanine, and cytosine. (Bram, this is very fundamental)

·        Adenine binds to thymine while guanine binds to cytosine. (This too is most fundamental).

 

Function:

·        Groups of three bases code for a specific amino acid.  For example, AGC makes serine.

·        Long strings of amino acids form proteins, and proteins send the chemical messages that determine all our traits: how tall we will grow, what colors we see, whether our hair is curly or straight.

·        Mutations occur when the order of bases in an organism’s DNA changes.  Mutations are caused by mutagens, like radiation.

·        A deletion mutation is when a base is left out.  An insertion mutation is when an extra base is added.

 

Application:

·        Genetic engineering is a way scientists use mutations in a beneficial way.  It is used to manufacture desired proteins, repair damaged genes, and cure diseases.

·        A pedigree is a sort of family tree that follows traits through generations of a family.  It is useful to predict whether a person carries an allele for a hereditary disease.