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DNA, Chromosomes, and

Chromatin
The molecules that make you, you!
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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
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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

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Background Information
Chromatin
Packed nucleosomes
Tightly packed DNA and proteins
Condense to form chromosomes during eukaryotic cell division
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Found In
Eukaryotic cells
DNA nucleus
Chromosomes - nucleus and found in DNA
Chromatin - nucleus
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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



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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

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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


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Function
DNA
Encode the sequence of amino acid residue in proteins using
the genetic code

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Function
Chromosomes
Carry genetic information
Sort and divide genetic information evenly
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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.

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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


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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.


http://www.dnalc.org/resources/3d/08-how-dna-is-packaged-advanced.html

http://vimeo.com/31267623