Table of contents

Skip topic navigation

1. Introduction to Genetics51m
2. Mendel's Laws of Inheritance3h 37m
3. Extensions to Mendelian Inheritance2h 41m
4. Genetic Mapping and Linkage2h 28m
5. Genetics of Bacteria and Viruses1h 21m
6. Chromosomal Variation1h 48m
7. DNA and Chromosome Structure56m
8. DNA Replication1h 10m
9. Mitosis and Meiosis1h 34m
10. Transcription1h 0m
11. Translation58m
12. Gene Regulation in Prokaryotes1h 19m
13. Gene Regulation in Eukaryotes44m
14. Genetic Control of Development44m
15. Genomes and Genomics1h 50m
16. Transposable Elements47m
17. Mutation, Repair, and Recombination1h 6m
18. Molecular Genetic Tools19m
- Genetic Cloning
  9m
- Methods for Analyzing DNA
  9m
19. Cancer Genetics29m
- Overview of Cancer
  21m
- Cancer Mutations
  7m
20. Quantitative Genetics1h 26m
21. Population Genetics50m
- Hardy Weinberg
  19m
- Allelic Frequency Changes
  31m
22. Evolutionary Genetics29m

7. DNA and Chromosome Structure

DNA as the Genetic Material

Genetics

7. DNA and Chromosome Structure

DNA as the Genetic Material

Previous problemNext problem

Struggling with Genetics?

Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video

Multiple Choice

Why is DNA evidence considered highly reliable for determining individual identity?

Because DNA can only be found in blood samples, which are always available at crime scenes.

Because the sequence of DNA is unique to each individual (except identical twins), allowing precise identification.

Because all individuals have the exact same DNA sequence, making it easy to match samples.

Because DNA evidence cannot be contaminated or degraded over time.

Previous problemNext problem

Verified step by step guidance

Understand that DNA evidence is considered highly reliable because the sequence of DNA is unique to each individual, except for identical twins.

Recognize that this uniqueness arises from variations in the nucleotide sequences (A, T, C, G) across the genome, which serve as a genetic fingerprint.

Know that forensic scientists analyze specific regions of DNA called short tandem repeats (STRs) that vary greatly between individuals, increasing the accuracy of identification.

Be aware that while DNA can be found in many types of biological samples (not just blood), the key factor is the uniqueness of the DNA sequence, not the sample type.

Also understand that although DNA evidence can be subject to contamination or degradation, proper collection and handling techniques minimize these risks, maintaining its reliability.