Question 1. Deoxyribonucleic acid or DNA is the chemical basis of inheritance. It is composed of nucleotides, has a double helix structure and relies on ribonucleic acid or RNA to get its information out to the cell. But the RNA has only one strand while DNA has two. Explain why you think DNA has two strands while RNA has one strand. Relate this to how your own DNA gives you certain characteristics that other members of your family share or don’t share.
Question 2. Cell division is a well-regulated process that has a specific sequence of events. This sequence of events is controlled by the DNA in the nucleus of the cell. One result of the breakdown of the control system of the cell cycle is cancer. Name three types of things in today’s world might cause a breakdown in the control system that regulates cell division? Explain how this control system is modified by these three things in such a way that cancer results?Question 3. During reproduction, genes are transferred from the parent organisms to the offspring, whether they are tomato seeds or baby walruses. Scientists have learned how to isolate genes and insert them into cells without using the parents. Genes may now be transferred from one organism to another by artificial means. These genes are then incorporated into the new cells and direct the life of those cells. Choose an organism and describe one of the potential risks or benefits of the current genetic engineering technology that involves that organism. The organism may be bacteria, plant or animal, but it must be the result of genetic engineering.