Jumping into the gene pool

Chromosomes- are paired structures that are made up of chromatin, which contains DNA and protein. In human body cells (somatic cells), there are a total of 46 chromosomes (23 pairs); 46 is the diploid number or 2n In human sex cells (sperm or egg), there are a total of 23 chromosomes; the haploid number or n

DNA = deoxyribonucleic acid The chemical molecule that serves as the genetic material A strand of DNA is a long chain of nucleotides Each nucleotide contains a nitrogenous base, a deoxyribose sugar and a phosphate group DNA exists inside the chromosomes

Genes- lie along a long chain of DNA Made up of sections of nucleotides Humans have thousands of different genes, which reside on different chromosomes, but on the same chromosome in all people. Some genes are expressed (they show their effect), whereas other genes are repressed (they do not show their effect).

Genetics: The field of science that examines how traits are passed from one generation to the next. The gene is the fundamental unit of heredity and therefore control how the organism looks, behaves and reproduces. Genetics is the foundation of all other science. We are studying MOLECULAR GENETICS: THE CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL STRUCTURE OF DNA, RNA AND PROTEINS!