6.1.7

Genome

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The Genome

The genome is the entire (all) genetic material of an organism. Within a genome, there are lots of levels of organisation:

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DNA

  • DNA is a double helix polymer, which means it is a polymer (a large molecule made up of many subunits) made up of two strands forming a twisted, ladder shape.
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Genes

  • A gene is a small section of DNA. Genes code for a sequence of amino acids, which combine to give a specific protein.
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Chromosomes

  • Long strands of DNA are coiled up to form chromosomes.
  • Chromosomes contain many genes.
  • Human body cells contain 23 pairs of chromosomes, one of each pair coming from each parent.

Is a Gene Bigger than DNA?

A gene is a segment of DNA. But there can be fragments of DNA that are smaller than a gene. This question is like asking whether a city or a community is bigger. They are kind of the same depending on how you define them.

Jump to other topics

1Cell Biology

1.1What's in Cells?

1.2Cell Division

1.3Transport in Cells

2Organisation

2.1Principles of Organisation

2.2Enzymes

2.3Circulatory System

2.4Non-Communicable Diseases

2.5Plant Tissues, Organs & Systems

3Infection & Response

4Bioenergetics

5Homeostasis & Response

5.1Homeostasis

5.2The Human Nervous System

5.3Hormonal Coordination in Humans

5.4Plant Hormones

6Inheritance, Variation & Evolution

7Ecology

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