Chromatin The molecules that make you, you! + Background Information DNA Deoxyribonucleic Acid Molecule that encodes for genetic material Used in the development and functions of all living organisms Holds the blueprint for how living organisms are built + Background Information Chromosomes Threadlike structure of packaged, organized chromatin Carry genetic information in the form of genes Tiny, floating and rod shaped and consists of DNA, protein and RNA Found in every cell
+ Background Information Chromatin Packed nucleosomes Tightly packed DNA and proteins Condense to form chromosomes during eukaryotic cell division + Found In Eukaryotic cells DNA nucleus Chromosomes - nucleus and found in DNA Chromatin - nucleus + Structure DNA Consists of 2 biopolymer strands coiled around each other to form a double helix Each nucleotide has a nitrogen containing nucleobase Guanine (G), Adenine (A), Thymine (T) and Cytosine (C) And also contains a deoxyribose and a phosphate group
+ Structure Chromosomes Made up of 50% proteins and 50% DNA Also made of chromatin Threads each contain DNA and proteins Each chromosome contains genes that act as a blue print or set of instructions for that cell
+ Structure Chromatin Basic structure of chromatin is called the nucleosome The nucleosome is a complex of 146 base pairs of DNA Its wound in two turns around the outside of a disklike complex of eight proteins called histones
+ Function DNA Encode the sequence of amino acid residue in proteins using the genetic code
+ Function Chromosomes Carry genetic information Sort and divide genetic information evenly + Function Chromatin Packages DNA into smaller volumes to fit in cells Strengthens the DNA to allow mitosis and meiosis, to control gene expression and DNA replication.
+ Structure Determines Function DNA - codes for proteins due to order of nitrogenous bases Chromosomes - are tight and coiled so the DNA doesnt tangle up when being moved Chromatin - isnt tightly coiled so enzymes can unzip the DNA; loose or there wouldnt be protein synthesis or DNA replication
+ Related Terms Gene A unit of heredity that is transferred from parent to offspring that holds the information to build and maintain an organisms cells. Nucleus - The large, membrane-bounded organelle that contains the genetic material, in the form of multiple linear DNA molecules organized into structures called chromosomes.