Introduction to DNA

Brightly coloured chromosomes from brain cancer cells.

DNA is often referred to as the "building blocks of life". It provides the chemical instructions that guide the development of a cell.

To understand DNA properly, you should think back to mitosis and meiosis from Science 8 and Science 9.

For a good overview of mitosis, meiosis, and human sexual reproduction, click here.


Videos

What is a Chromosome? (2:58)



Genes, DNA and Chromosomes Explained (2:15)


Questions


  1. Where in the cell is DNA located?
  2. Define the following terms:
    1. DNA
    2. Double helix
  3. What are the four bases of DNA?
  4. Draw a picture of the chemical structure of each of the four bases of DNA.