EB How to work with Genetics: Part 1

DNA contains the genetic instructions for the development and functioning of a living organism. Here are some amazing facts about DNA and genetics.

• You are not 100% human!! Around 5-8% is viral DNA.  Scientists believe we have about 100,000 pieces of DNA from retroviruses that have built up in our bodies throughout human evolution.
• Even though red blood cells do not have a nucleus, they all started out containing DNA. They just destroy the nucleus once they have matured as they no longer need it. This means they can carry more oxygen.
• Humans have around 25,000 genes, but these only make up about 3% of our DNA. Scientists are still trying to work out what the remaining 97% does.
• If you typed non-stop for 8 hours a day, at a speed of 60 words per minute, it would take you around 50 years to type the human genome. It contains an incredible 3 billion base pairs of DNA.

GCSE scientists – you need to explain how genetic information is passed on from parents to offspring. For help with this try our new guide “How to work with Genetics: Part 1”. It includes information on genetic diagrams and key vocabulary you need. It includes questions to try, and answers to check your understanding.

Click on the picture below to see the guide.