Ask a New Question
Menu

DNA. We have heard that we are a product of our DNA. But where is it? How do we "get" our DNA? It is passed to us, from our parents, but in what form? Several vocabulary words associated with inheritance are used interchangeably and sometimes, incorrectly. Let's see if you can clear this up for someone just learning about inheritance and cell structure.

Check out the illustration above. Using the CORRECT terminology, matched with the correct lettered structures, explain how all are related to inheritance.
Responses
A This cell (B) contains chromosomes (A) in the nucleus (C). The chromosomes are made up of genes (D) that are made of short strands of DNA (E).This cell (B) contains chromosomes (A) in the nucleus (C). The chromosomes are made up of genes (D) that are made of short strands of DNA (E).
B In every cell on Earth (B), DNA (A) is found in the nucleus (C). The DNA is organized into genes (D) which build chromosomes (E), which we inherit from our parents.In every cell on Earth (B), DNA (A) is found in the nucleus (C). The DNA is organized into genes (D) which build chromosomes (E), which we inherit from our parents.
C This is a cell (B) with a nucleus (C) containing DNA (A). The DNA is organized into chromosomes (D). A section of the chromosome that codes for a trait is called a gene (E).This is a cell (B) with a nucleus (C) containing DNA (A). The DNA is organized into chromosomes (D). A section of the chromosome that codes for a trait is called a gene (E).
D This is a cell (B) with a nucleus (C) that contains 46 chromosomes (A). The chromosomes are makeup of many genes (E) that, in turn, are made up of long strands of tightly coiled DNA (D).

1 answer

To clarify the terminology related to inheritance and cell structure, let’s break down the components in a way that accurately represents their relationships in genetics.

  1. A: This option suggests that the cell contains chromosomes in the nucleus, which is correct. However, it doesn’t effectively convey how all the components relate specifically to inheritance.

  2. B: While this statement mentions that DNA is found in the nucleus and is organized into genes and chromosomes, it is somewhat misleading in the relationship between these terms. The correct hierarchy should emphasize that DNA makes up genes, which in turn are part of chromosomes.

  3. C: This description accurately states that a cell has a nucleus containing DNA, which is organized into chromosomes, and correctly defines a gene as a section of a chromosome that codes for a trait. This option is close to the correct explanation.

  4. D: This option presents a good breakdown but slightly misplaces the order of components. It states that chromosomes are made up of genes and that genes are made up of tightly coiled DNA, but it may create some confusion regarding how these elements interrelate in terms of structure and inheritance.

Based on these points, the best response would be a combination of C and a slight modification of D, focusing on clarity and correctness:

Correct Explanation: This is a cell (B) with a nucleus (C) that contains DNA (A). The DNA is organized into genes (E), which are sections of the chromosomes (D). Chromosomes are structures made of tightly coiled DNA, and we inherit our chromosomes from our parents.

In summary:

  • DNA (A) is the fundamental molecule that carries genetic information.
  • Genes (E) are segments of DNA that code for specific traits.
  • Chromosomes (D) are structures that organize and package DNA in the nucleus.
  • All of these components are found in cells (B), specifically within the nucleus (C), where they play a crucial role in inheritance.