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Year 7 - Science

A model of the structure of DNA

Heredity and DNA

Unit Summary

This unit examines the transmission of genetic information through heredity, how scientific methods evolve with new evidence, the importance of publishing and peer review, and the Study of DNA, chromosomes, and genes while developing lab skills focusing on safety.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to describe the structure of DNA and evaluate models of it.

Key Notes

  • Genetic material is made of DNA.
  • DNA is a long chemical molecule, made of two chains of smaller chemical units joined together.
  • All of the DNA in a cell is called the genome.
  • The chains are spiralled around one another in a double helix, with links across the middle.
  • Scientific models of DNA can be evaluated for their strengths and weaknesses.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • genetic material: The genetic material of a cell carries the instructions for inherited features and processes, which are passed from parent to offspring.
  • DNA: Genetic material is made of a chemical substance called DNA.
  • double helix: DNA has a double helix structure made from two chains in a spiral.
  • genome: The genome is all of the genetic material of a cell.
  • model: Scientists use models as simpler representations of complex things and ideas.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • The genetic code and DNA are the same thing.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain the scientific idea in this lesson using two key points.

Genetic material is made of DNA. DNA is a long chemical molecule, made of two chains of smaller chemical units joined together.

2. Define this scientific word and use it in context. 'genetic material'

The genetic material of a cell carries the instructions for inherited features and processes, which are passed from parent to offspring. Include the word in a full scientific explanation, not as a single label.

3. Correct this common scientific misunderstanding.

Mistake: The genetic code and DNA are the same thing. Correction: The DNA is a long chemical molecule made of four different types of chemical units (A, T, C, G). These units make up the genetic code.

More Lessons In This Unit

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