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Chromosomes Genes Proteins IGCSE

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106 views3 pages

Chromosomes Genes Proteins IGCSE

Uploaded by

Mohammad Raza
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Chromosomes, Genes, and Proteins - IGCSE Biology (0610)

1. Chromosomes

Chromosomes are long, thread-like structures located in the nucleus of cells, made up of DNA and

proteins.

They contain the genetic information that controls the activities of the cell and passes traits from

parents to offspring.

Structure: Chromosomes are composed of tightly coiled DNA molecules around proteins called

histones.

This packaging helps in the efficient organization and function of DNA.

Number in Humans: Humans have 46 chromosomes, organized into 23 pairs. One set of

chromosomes is inherited from each parent, making the pairs diploid.

Of these, 22 pairs are autosomes, while the 23rd pair determines the sex of the individual (XX for

females and XY for males).

Function: Chromosomes ensure that DNA is accurately replicated and distributed during cell

division. They also carry the information required for the synthesis

of proteins, which control the traits and functions of living organisms.

2. Genes

A gene is a specific sequence of DNA on a chromosome that codes for a particular protein or RNA

molecule. Genes act as instructions to build proteins, which

determine the characteristics of an organism.


Location: Genes are located on chromosomes. Each gene occupies a specific position called a

locus.

Alleles: Variations of the same gene are called alleles. Different alleles can result in different traits,

such as eye color or blood type.

Expression: Gene expression refers to the process by which the information encoded in a gene is

used to synthesize a functional product, typically a protein.

This involves two main processes:

- Transcription: The process by which DNA is copied into messenger RNA (mRNA).

- Translation: The process by which mRNA is used to build a protein.

Function: Genes contain the instructions for building proteins, which carry out most functions in the

body. They are responsible for hereditary traits

and influence everything from physical appearance to susceptibility to diseases.

3. Proteins

Proteins are large molecules made up of chains of amino acids and are essential for the structure,

function, and regulation of the body's tissues and organs.

Structure: Proteins consist of one or more long chains of amino acids. The sequence of amino acids

determines the protein's structure and function.

Proteins can be:

- Structural proteins: such as collagen, which provide support.

- Functional proteins: such as enzymes, which catalyze biochemical reactions.


Synthesis: Protein synthesis involves two major processes:

1. Transcription: DNA is transcribed into mRNA in the nucleus.

2. Translation: mRNA is translated into a protein at the ribosome, with the help of transfer RNA

(tRNA), which brings the correct amino acids in the sequence

dictated by the mRNA.

Function: Proteins are involved in virtually every biological process. They function as enzymes,

hormones, structural components, and antibodies.

Examples include hemoglobin (transports oxygen), insulin (regulates blood sugar), and amylase

(breaks down starch).

4. Link Between Chromosomes, Genes, and Proteins

- Chromosomes carry the genetic material in the form of DNA.

- Genes are segments of DNA on chromosomes that code for specific proteins.

- Proteins are the end products of gene expression and are essential for the cell's structure and

function. Changes in the DNA sequence of a gene can lead to

changes in the protein, which may affect the trait controlled by that protein.

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