1.The structure and functions of the cell are controlled by what???
2.Explain why DNA is able to play a role in the transmission of hereditary information.
3.State TWO functions of DNA
4. Explain how genetic fingerprinting can be used to prove is the identity of the father of a child
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1. The structure and functions of the cell are controlled by genes. Genes are segments of DNA that contain the instructions for building and maintaining the cell. They determine the traits and characteristics of an organism by regulating the production of proteins and other molecules necessary for cell function.
2. DNA is able to play a role in the transmission of hereditary information because of its unique structure and properties. DNA is composed of a sequence of nucleotides, which are made up of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base. The order of these nitrogenous bases forms the genetic code, which determines the specific instructions for building and maintaining an organism. During reproduction, DNA is replicated and passed from parent to offspring, ensuring the transfer of genetic information.
3. Two functions of DNA are genetic storage and protein synthesis. DNA acts as a repository for storing genetic information, carrying all the instructions required for the development, function, and reproduction of an organism. Furthermore, DNA serves as a template for protein synthesis. It provides the instructions for the production of proteins, which are essential for the structure and function of cells and tissues.
4. Genetic fingerprinting, also known as DNA profiling or DNA testing, can be used to determine the identity of the father of a child by comparing the genetic profiles of the child, mother, and potential father. The process involves analyzing specific regions of the DNA, known as microsatellites or short tandem repeats (STRs), which contain repetitive sequences of nucleotides. These STR regions vary among individuals, except for identical twins.
To perform the test, DNA samples of the child, mother, and potential father are obtained, typically through a cheek swab. The DNA is then extracted and amplified using techniques like polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The amplified DNA is analyzed, and the lengths of the STR regions are compared between the child and the potential father. If the potential father shares the same STR lengths as the child in enough regions, it indicates a high probability of paternity.
Genetic fingerprinting is based on the principle that each person has a unique combination of genetic markers, and the likelihood of finding the same genetic profile in two unrelated individuals is extremely low. Therefore, by comparing the genetic profiles of individuals, including the child and potential father, it is possible to determine paternity with a high degree of accuracy.
1. The structure and functions of the cell are controlled by the cell's genetic material, which is primarily the DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) found in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells.
To determine what controls the structure and functions of a cell, you can refer to the field of molecular biology, which studies how molecules such as DNA and proteins interact with each other to carry out various cellular processes. This field utilizes various techniques and experiments to investigate the role of DNA in controlling cell structure and function.
2. DNA is able to play a role in the transmission of hereditary information due to its unique molecular structure and its ability to replicate accurately. DNA carries the genetic instructions and information that determine the characteristics of an organism.
During the process of reproduction, DNA is copied and passed on from parent to offspring. This occurs through two key steps: DNA replication and cell division. DNA replication enables the genetic material to be faithfully duplicated, ensuring that the offspring receive a complete set of genetic instructions from the parents.
By encoding specific sequences of nucleotide bases (adenine, cytosine, guanine, and thymine), DNA contains the instructions for building and maintaining an organism. These instructions guide the formation and function of proteins, which are essential for carrying out most cellular activities and determining the traits of an organism.
3. Two functions of DNA are:
a. Genetic information storage: DNA serves as the primary molecule for storing and transmitting genetic information. It contains the instructions required to build and maintain an organism, determining its traits and characteristics.
b. Protein synthesis control: DNA is responsible for controlling the synthesis and production of proteins in cells. DNA is transcribed into RNA (ribonucleic acid), which then serves as a template for protein synthesis. These proteins perform a wide variety of essential functions in the cell, including enzyme catalysis, signaling, and structural support.
4. Genetic fingerprinting, also known as DNA profiling or DNA typing, can be used to establish the identity of the father of a child by comparing specific DNA markers between the child, the alleged father, and the mother.
To conduct genetic fingerprinting, DNA samples are collected from the individuals involved, usually through a cheek swab or blood sample. The DNA is then analyzed to identify specific regions of the genome that contain variations known as genetic markers, such as short tandem repeats (STRs). These markers are highly variable among individuals and are inherited from parents.
The DNA profiles of the child, father, and mother are compared to determine whether the child inherited specific markers from the alleged father. If the child shares the same markers with the father that are not present in the mother, it provides strong evidence of paternity.
Genetic fingerprinting is a reliable method for determining paternity, as the likelihood of two unrelated individuals having the same DNA profile is extremely low. Advanced statistical methods are often used to calculate the probability of paternity based on the observed DNA markers.
Overall, genetic fingerprinting provides a scientific and accurate approach to establish the biological relationship between individuals and has been widely used in legal and forensic contexts.