CSEC Biology Notes

Continuity and Variation

The distinctions between chromosomes, genes, alleles, and DNA. A gene is a section or part of
DNA that contains instructions for making a particular protein.
DNA: The double helix of DNA may be used as a template to duplicate the base sequence. When
cells divide, this is crucial because each new cell needs an identical replica of the DNA found in
the old cell. DNA is a lengthy polymer consisting of nucleotides, which are units that repeat.
Despite the fact that the molecule DNA was initially identified in 1869, its significance for
genetic inheritance was not shown until 1943.
In 1953, James Watson and Francis Crick, aided by the work of biophysicists Rosalind Franklin
and Maurice Wilkins, determined that the structure of DNA is a double-helix polymer, a spiral
consisting of two DNA strands wound around each other. The breakthrough led to significant
advances in scientists’ understanding of DNA replication and hereditary control of cellular
activities.
DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the central information storage system of most animals,
plants, and even some viruses. The name comes from its structure, which is a sugar and
phosphate backbone with bases sticking out from its so-called bases. DNA, or deoxyribonucleic
acid, is a long molecule that contains our unique genetic code. Like a recipe book, it holds the
instructions for making all the proteins in our bodies.James Watson and Francis Crick discovered
that the structure of DNA is a double-helix polymer, a spiral made up of two DNA strands
twisted around one another, in 1953 with the help of biophysicists Rosalind Franklin and
Maurice Wilkins. The discovery significantly improved scientists' knowledge of DNA
replication and the genetic regulation of biological processes.
The primary method of information storage for the majority of animals, plants, and even certain
viruses is DNA, also known as deoxyribonucleic acid. The term is derived from its chemical
composition, which consists of bases protruding from its purported bases and a sugar and
phosphate backbone. Deoxyribonucleic acid, also known as DNA, is a large molecule that
houses our distinct genetic code. DNA is a two-stranded molecule. DNA has a unique ‘double
helix’ shape, like a twisted ladder.

Structure of DNA
Chromosomes- Chromosomes are not visible in the cell’s
nucleus, not even under a microscope when the cell is not
dividing. However, the DNA that makes up chromosomes
becomes more tightly packed during cell division and is then
visible under a microscope.
CSEC Biology Notes

The centromere, a point of constriction on each

chromosome, separates the chromosome into its two
"arms." The chromosome's short arm is known as the
"p arm." The chromosome's long arm is referred to as
the "q arm." Each chromosome has a centromere,
which gives the chromosome its distinctive structure
and may be used to pinpoint the location of particular
genes.

A chromosome is a well-organized packet of DNA present in the cell's nucleus. The number of
chromosomes in each organism varies. Humans have 23 chromosomal pairs. There are 22 pairs
of numbered chromosomes known as autosomes and one pair of sex chromosomes known as X
and Y. As a result, humans have 46 chromosomes. Each parent provides one chromosome to
each pair, resulting in kids who receive half of their chromosomes from their mother and half
from their father. In a cell, a chromosome is the structure that houses DNA.
CSEC Biology Notes

Genes- Genes provide the information needed to determine characteristics and are handed down
from parents to children. The number of genes in a species' genome (the total set of
chromosomes) varies greatly. For example, whereas the human genome is predicted to have
20,000 to 25,000 genes, the genome of the bacteria Escherichia coli O157:H7 has exactly 5,416
genes.

Alleles
CSEC Biology Notes

References
Dame RT (May 2005). “The role of nucleoid-associated proteins in the organization and
compaction of bacterial chromatin”. Molecular Microbiology. 56 (4): 858-70.

Hubscher U, Maga G, and Spadari S (2002). “Eukaryotic DNA Polymerases.”. Annual

Review of Biochemistry. 71: 133-63.

Pennisi E. (June 2007). “Genomics. DNA study forces a rethink of what it means to be a
gene”. Science. 316 (5831): 1556-7.

Mashaghi A, Katan A. (2013). “A physicist's view of DNA”. De Physicus. 24e (3): 59-61.