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DNA & Populations. http://www.flickr.com/photos/bwjones/4344712708/. Let’s Review. What is a cell? How many cells make up an organism? What is the nucleus?. What is DNA? What is it made up of? What is a sequence of DNA called? Why is DNA important?
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DNA & Populations http://www.flickr.com/photos/bwjones/4344712708/
Let’s Review • What is a cell? How many cells make up an organism? • What is the nucleus? • What is DNA? What is it made up of? • What is a sequence of DNA called? • Why is DNA important? • What is one way that DNA sequences can change? Image sources: http://www.jimmyjanesays.com/sketchblog/2007/04/plant-cell.html (Plant cell) http://www.biologycorner.com/bio1/DNA.html (DNA diagram)
How do we know gene sequences? • Geneticists use a technique called gel electrophoresis • This technique breaks apart a gene in a predictable way, allowing scientists to piece the sequence back together http://www.flickr.com/photos/micahb37/3080247531/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/14508691@N08/1472624764/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/arcticpuppy/3020931978/ Why is this important? • DNA sequences can tell you how species are related • Species – organisms that can interbreed • Isolation can cause the formation of new species • Species with more similar sequences are more closely related • You can discover the order in which islands were colonized Example: Bird A: GTCC Bird B: GACC Bird C: GAGC Bird D: GAGG