Vocabulary
Structures
Nucleotide
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)
DNA sequence
RNA (ribonucleic acid)
Gene
Homologous chromosomes
Chromatin
Stem cell
Stem cell niche
Sister chromatid
Haploid
Diploid
Gene mutation
Daughter cells
Tetrad
Processes
DNA replication
Gene expression
Crossing over
Differentiation
Mitosis
Meiosis
Specialization
Objectives
1.
Describe the structure of DNA. a.
Explain what a nucleotide is. b.
Explain the base pair rule in DNA. c.
Explain the role of DNA and chromosomes in coding the instructions for characteristic traits passed from parents to offspring. d.
Explain what DNA replication is. e.
Explain how it is possible that all living things contain the same chemical code known as DNA.
2.
Explain what is meant by the term “gene expression.” a.
Compare and contrast DNA and RNA. b.
Explain how the structure of DNA determines the structure of proteins. c.
Explain how gene sequence affects protein function, which in turn affects the function of body tissues. d.
Explain how proteins carry out functions that are essential to the organism.
3.
Explain the roles of cellular division (mitosis and meiosis) in producing and maintaining complex organisms. a.
Explain reasons why cells divide. b.
Explain why chromosomes come in pairs. c.
Explain the importance of replication of chromosomes. d.
Compare and contrast mitosis and meiosis. e.
Describe the phases of the cell cycle.
4.
Explain how a single fertilized egg can differentiate into a multicellular organism. a.
Compare differentiation and specialization. b.
Explain specialization. c.
Explain the term stem cell. d.
Describe stem cell niches and their importance.
5.
Explain how the terms DNA, gene and chromosome are all related yet different.
6.
Explain that inheritable genetic variations may result from new: a.
genetic combinations through meiosis, b.
viable errors occurring during replication, and/or c.
mutations caused by environmental factors.