DNA - Infographic

Cell

Cells are the building blocks of all living things, and house the DNA within the nucleus. We have around 36 trillion cells in our body.

Nucleus

A nucleus is in almost every eukaryotic cell, and holds the cells genomes, which split into 23 pairs of chromosomes.

Mitochondria

There is back-up DNA in the mitochondria which acts as a safety net against damage.

Cell Membrane

Chromosomes

Chromosomes are long strands of DNA, wrapped around special proteins called histones which help make them compact enough to fit in the nucleus. Humans have 23 pairs and 46 chromosomes, the first 22 pairs are called autosomes, and the last pair are called sex chromosomes. Chromosomes are a way for your body to organize DNA. Having 2 copies of each chromosome ensures you get the right amount of protein to protect from diseases.

Parts of a chromosome - Arms

There are two sections, the short segment ‘p’ and long segment ‘q’, which are made of packaged chromatin and meet at the centrometre. Their main function is to store thousands of genes and organize genetic material.

Centrometres

These are an area near the centre of a chromosome that ensures the genetic material divides equally when your cells make more copies of themselves.

Telometres

Repeating DNA segments that protect the ends of the chromosomes.

DNA

It is the instruction manual inside your body that tells it how to grow, look, and work, and is passed down from our parents. It has a sugar-phosphate backbone which provides the structural framework.

Double Helix

Lets the body safely store, copy, and pass down genetic instructions.

4 Bases

Adenine pairs with Thymine, and Cytosine pairs with Guanine

Genes

Genes are sections of DNA that contain the instructions for making proteins, which control how your body grows, develops, and functions. You receive half of your genes from your mother and half from your father. Genes influence many characteristics, including: Eye colour, hair colour, blood type, risk of developing certain diseases