Year 10 - Science
The genome
DNA and the genome
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
This unit covers the structure and function of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, DNA as the genetic material, and key genetic terms. It also explains protein synthesis, genetic variants, and how DNA structure affects proteins. The emphasis is on using models to explain scientific concepts.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to describe what the genome is, its role and where it is stored in cells.
Key Notes
- 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.
Vocabulary To Learn
- 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 Mistakes To Avoid
- 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.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain the scientific idea in this lesson using two key 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.
2. Define this scientific word and use it in context. 'nucleus'
A structure in animal, plant and fungi cells that stores the genetic material (DNA). Include the word in a full scientific explanation, not as a single label.
3. Correct this common scientific misunderstanding.
Mistake: 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. Correction: 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.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Genetic variants in genes can influence phenotype Study Guide
- Genetic variants in non-coding DNA can influence phenotype Study Guide
- Mutations and genetic variants Study Guide
- Protein synthesis Study Guide
- The chemical structure of DNA Study Guide
- The genetic code Study Guide
- The genome, the environment and phenotype Study Guide
- The structure of DNA Study Guide
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