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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).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 concepts of inheritance and cell structure using the correct terminology, let's break down the relationships between DNA, chromosomes, genes, and cells based on your given options.

Response A: This implies that the cell contains chromosomes in the nucleus, and that chromosomes are made up of genes, which are made of short strands of DNA. However, this wording can be misleading.

Response B: This states that DNA is found in the nucleus, organized into genes, which build chromosomes. While partially correct, it misrepresents the hierarchy, as genes are part of chromosomes, not the other way around.

Response C: This correctly describes a cell with a nucleus that contains DNA organized into chromosomes. It accurately identifies genes as sections of chromosomes that code for traits.

Response D: This describes the structure well by stating that a cell contains 46 chromosomes, which are made up of many genes that are themselves comprised of long strands of tightly coiled DNA. This option emphasizes the correct hierarchy and relationships.

Therefore, the best explanation is:

D. This is a cell (B) with a nucleus (C) that contains 46 chromosomes (A). The chromosomes are made up of many genes (E) that, in turn, are made up of long strands of tightly coiled DNA (D).

Here is how they are connected:

  • Cell (B): The basic unit of life which contains the nucleus.
  • Nucleus (C): The membrane-bound organelle where the cell’s genetic material is housed.
  • Chromosomes (A): Structures within the nucleus that contain the DNA and are made up of many genes.
  • Genes (E): Segments of DNA located on chromosomes that code for specific traits.
  • DNA (D): The genetic material that carries instructions for life, organized into chromosomes and composed of many nucleotides.

This explanation accurately depicts the relationships between these elements in the context of inheritance and cell structure.