HOW DNA WORKS GENETICS - 7 TH GRADE

HOW DNA WORKS Almost every cell in your body contains about 2 meters of DNA. DNA is found in the cells of ALL organisms. DNA is found in bacteria, animals, humans, even mosquitos.

UNRAVELING DNA DNA is often wound around proteins. DNA is coiled into strands and then bundled more. In a cell without a nucleus – DNA is in a loop. In a cell with a nucleus – DNA is found in the chromosomes.

UNRAVELING DNA The structure of DNA allows it to hold information. The order of the bases on one side of DNA is a code that carries information. GENE: String of nucleotides that give cell the information about how to make a specific trait. There is an ENORMOUS AMOUNT OF DNA so there is a large variety of traits.

GENES AND PROTEINS The DNA code is read like a book. Groups of 3 bases are the codes for specific amino acids.

PROTEINS AND TRAITS Proteins are found throughout cells and cause most of the differences that you can see among organisms. Proteins help determine how tall you are, what colors you can see, and whether your hair is curly or straight.

HELP FROM RNA RNA also helps make proteins. RNA – Ribonucleic Acid RNA is similar to DNA because it acts as a temporary copy of a DNA sequence. LOOK AT FIGURE 2 Brain Pop Video on RNA now.

RNA Messenger RNA sends messages to the proteins. mRNA Transfer RNA translates messages for the proteins. tRNA