Multiple Choice
In the context of DNA as the genetic material, what is the primary role of DNA in cells?
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7. DNA and Chromosome Structure
DNA as the Genetic Material
Multiple Choice
DNA as the Genetic Material: Is there DNA in your food, and what is the best explanation for your answer?
A
Yes; most foods derived from plants, animals, or microbes contain cells, and those cells contain DNA.
B
No; cooking or digestion completely destroys all DNA molecules in food before you can ingest them.
C
Yes; DNA is present only in genetically modified (GMO) foods, not in non-GMO foods.
D
No; DNA is found only in reproductive cells (gametes), not in the tissues we eat.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the basic concept that DNA is the molecule that carries genetic information in all living organisms, including plants, animals, and microbes.
Recognize that most foods we eat come from living organisms, which means their cells contain DNA in the nucleus (and mitochondria or chloroplasts in some cases).
Consider the effects of cooking and digestion: while these processes can break down DNA into smaller fragments, they do not completely destroy all DNA molecules before ingestion.
Evaluate the claim about genetically modified organisms (GMOs): DNA is present in all cells of all organisms, not just GMOs, so DNA is found in both GMO and non-GMO foods.
Recall that DNA is present in all cell types, not only in reproductive cells (gametes), so the tissues we eat (muscle, leaves, etc.) also contain DNA.
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