An Introduction to DNA and Chromosomes

A closer look at what makes up the human genome...

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Let’s start with the basics of genetics. The word “genome” refers to an organism’s complete set of DNA. The fundamental building block of our genome is the molecule known as DNA. You’ve no doubt heard of DNA many times before – in the news, in movies, on television. Yet in order to understand Huntington’s disease, it is important to gain a good understanding of DNA and how DNA is related to genes. Our goal in this section is to review the basic features of the structure and function of the main molecule of heredity.

• What is DNA? ...Making the single strand.
• Why is DNA so important?
• What are complementary strands? ...Making the double helix.
• What are chromosomes?
• OK, so what are homologous chromosomes?
• How is DNA passed on to new cells?
• How is DNA passed on to the next generation?
• What is genetic variation, and why is it important?

Last Modified: 7-27-06

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