Year 7 - Science
DNA, chromosomes, genes and the genome
Heredity and DNA
Study Hub
Study Guides
This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
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 explain the difference between DNA, chromosomes, genes and the genome.
Key Notes
- All organisms have a genome, and there are similarities and differences between the genomes of different organisms.
- The genome is made of DNA, wound up into tightly-packed structures called chromosomes.
- Human body cells have 23 pairs of chromosomes, stored in the nucleus; bacteria have one that is stored in the cytoplasm.
- Sections of the DNA in chromosomes are called genes, which store instructions for inherited features and life processes.
- Other sections are non-coding DNA, which contains instructions that controls when the information in genes is used.
Vocabulary To Learn
- genome: The genome is all of the genetic material of a cell; it stores the code for all the features and processes of a living organism.
- DNA: DNA is the chemical substance that genetic material is made out of; it stores the genetic code.
- nucleus: The nucleus is where DNA, wound up into chromosomes, is stored in animal, plant and fungi cells.
- chromosome: A chromosome is a package of tightly wound DNA.
- gene: Genes are sections of DNA that code for features and processes.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- 'Genes' and 'DNA' are exactly the same thing.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain the scientific idea in this lesson using two key points.
All organisms have a genome, and there are similarities and differences between the genomes of different organisms. The genome is made of DNA, wound up into tightly-packed structures called chromosomes.
2. Define this scientific word and use it in context. 'genome'
The genome is all of the genetic material of a cell; it stores the code for all the features and processes of a living organism. Include the word in a full scientific explanation, not as a single label.
3. Correct this common scientific misunderstanding.
Mistake: 'Genes' and 'DNA' are exactly the same thing. Correction: The lesson explores the idea that genes are sections of your DNA, and all the DNA together is the genome.
More Lessons In This Unit
Browse all guides in the Year 7 Science guide library.