What i want to know is, do DNA make up chromosomes. If so, then how many strands of DNA make up a single chromosomes. (Make sure to define strand). And how do genes come into all of this?What is the relationship between chromosomes, genes and DNA?
A long piece of licorice rope is a licorice strand. A long piece of DNA is a DNA strandWhat is the relationship between chromosomes, genes and DNA?
Ok. A gene is a specific segment of nucleotides found within a DNA double helix. The DNA helix is a sequence of many many genes. If DNA were just left at its normal length it would be very, very VERY long, as it contains multiple hundreds of thousands of nucleotides. A chromosome is basically a structure to CONDENSE the DNA into a form that is more manageable inside the cell.
A double helix is composed of TWO strands of DNA, each with a backbone composed of alternating deoxyribose bound to phosphate groups with something called a phosphodiester bond (this forms the "sides" of the helix). Coming off of the deoxyribose are nitrogen bases (ATGC) which provide the gene sequence of the DNA. The two strands are joined together at the BASES by hydrogen bonds to form what we refer to as a double helix (the joined bases form the "ladder" part). Therefore, there are TWO strands per DNA double helix, and ONE double helix in a single chromosome.
TOO MUCH INFORMATION? I THINK NOT!What is the relationship between chromosomes, genes and DNA?
One DNA strand will be coiled into a chromosome during cell division (mitosis or meiosis). One dna strand and one chromosome are identical except a chromosome is a very densely packed dna strand(histones proteins pack the dna into the chromosome)
A gene is a SECTION on the dna strand that specifically codes for a protein.
Hope that helps
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