Genes & Inheritance

Age Range 14-16 Age Range 16-19
Previous Page Next Page

Page 1 of 8

  • Genes and Inheritance
  • Genes and DNA
  • DNA & Cloning
  • DNA & Inheritance
  • What can go wrong?
  • Cystic Fibrosis: Paul's Story
  • How we can use Genes
  • Quiz

Jump to the Page

What are Genes?

A gene is a length of DNA forming part of a chromosome. In humans there are about 20,000-25,000 different genes arranged among the 23 pairs of chromosomes.

Contents

What do Genes do?

Genes contain the code to make proteins, which are involved in the development and functioning of body organs and systems. Proteins are essential to life and have many functions in the body, for example, as enzymes, regulators and structural molecules.

Genes are also the units of heredity by which characteristics, such as eye colour and blood group, are passed from one generation to the next.

You must have Adobe Flash Player 8 or greater installed to view this content. Download the latest version of Adobe Flash Player


How to use this site

There are a number of interactive features in this e-source:

  • A glossary of terms: any word with a glossary entry is highlighted like this.
  • Quick questions: at the end of each page or section there is a set of quick questions to test your understanding.
  • Roll over diagrams: many of the diagrams have highlights or sequences. These can be seen by moving the cursor over part of the picture or text.
Gene
A short piece of DNA which is responsible for the inheritance of a particular characteristic. It codes for the production of a specific protein.
DNA
Deoxyribonucleic acid. This is the molecule which contains the genetic code. It coils up tightly inside chromosomes. DNA is a double helix made from two strands which are joined together by pairs of bases.
Chromosomes
A chromosome is like a packet of coiled up DNA. Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes. They are in the nucleus of every human cell.
Protein
A polymer made up of amino acids joined by peptide bonds. The amino acids present and the order in which they occur vary from one protein to another.
Organ
A structure with a particular function which is made up of different tissues.
Enzyme
A protein which catalyses a biochemical reaction. It works by lowering the activation energy necessary to start the reaction.
Glossary
A list of often difficult or specialized words with their definitions

Previous PageNext PageTop of Page