Year 7 - Science
Genetic material and DNA
Heredity and DNA
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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 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 what genetic material is and where it is stored in animals, plants and microorganisms.
Key Notes
- Plant and animal cells are made of parts including a cell membrane, cytoplasm and a nucleus.
- In plant, animal and fungi cells, the genetic material is stored in the nucleus.
- Bacteria are microorganisms and do not have a nucleus; their genetic material is stored in the cytoplasm.
- The genetic material of all organisms is made of a chemical substance called DNA.
- DNA is built from molecules that form a code used as instructions to build inherited features and control life processes
Vocabulary To Learn
- cytoplasm: Cytoplasm is the jelly-like substance inside a cell where the chemical reactions of the cell take place.
- nucleus: The nucleus stores the genetic material of plant, animal and fungi cells.
- bacteria: Bacteria are unicellular microorganisms.
- DNA: Genetic material is made of a chemical substance called DNA.
- genetic code: DNA is built from four different molecules (ATCG), which form a genetic code used as instructions to build and control living organisms.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Bacteria and plants do not have genetic material to be passed to offspring.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain the scientific idea in this lesson using two key points.
Plant and animal cells are made of parts including a cell membrane, cytoplasm and a nucleus. In plant, animal and fungi cells, the genetic material is stored in the nucleus.
2. Define this scientific word and use it in context. 'cytoplasm'
Cytoplasm is the jelly-like substance inside a cell where the chemical reactions of the cell take place. Include the word in a full scientific explanation, not as a single label.
3. Correct this common scientific misunderstanding.
Mistake: Bacteria and plants do not have genetic material to be passed to offspring. Correction: Examples of both bacteria and plants passing genetic material and features to offspring in reproduction, and the outcomes, i.e. growth.
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