DNA and the Genome

1. The paragraph below describes the structure of DNA and where it is found. Use the
information to annotate the diagram below.

DNA is a polymer made up of two strands forming a double helix. The DNA is coiled up into
structures called chromosomes which are found in the nucleus of a cell. Genes are small sections
of DNA on a chromosome. Each gene codes for a particular sequence of amino acids to make a
specific protein.

The genome of an organism is the entire genetic material of that organism. In humans, almost
every cell in the body contains 46 chromosomes. This is where most of the genetic material is
found. It is useful for us to understand the human genome for three main reasons:
1) It helps us to search for genes that are linked to different types of disease. This gives us more
information on the risk of people developing the disease and might allow us to reduce the
risk by encouraging lifestyle changes or interventions.

2) It helps us to understand and treat inherited disorders. The more we know about faulty
genes, the more chance we have at developing treatments to overcome them.

3) We can use the information to trace human migration patterns from the past. This helps us
to understand human evolution and history.

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