DNA- The abbreviation DNA refers refers to a form of Nucleic Acid ( a complex organic acid found in the nucleus) known as Deoxyribonuceic Acid. It is a double-helical structure made up of two strands that run anti-parallel to each other, twisted together around a common axis. Each strand of DNA, which comprises of a polynucleotide chain held together by phosphates, is made up of a Deoxyribose sugars bonded to nitrogenous bases (guanine, adenine, thymine or cytosine) with the complementary based to that nitrogenous base on one strand being on the second strand. This structure which is held together by hydrogen bonds between the two complementary bases, contain genetic information carried by every cell and as such is responsible for directing all the activities of the cell.
Gene- A Gene, which is deemed the unit of genetic inheritance, refers to a segment of the DNA sequence that codes for amino acid peptides that interlink to for proteins (thus being that chemical instruction that allows for protein synthesis in cells). It is these proteins that carry out bodily and cellular functions, since protein plays a major role in the functioning of cells.
Chromosomes- A chromosome is a thread-like long coil of DNA located inside the nucleus of cells. Each chromosome is made up of a pair of chromatid that is joined at a center known as the centromere with each chromatid being made up of DNA coiled around proteins (often time histone). Chromosomes are passed from parent to off spring during nuclear division.
