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Question

What is the genetic material of a cell?


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Solution

Genetic material:

  1. The part of the cell which carries the genetic information that can be inherited is called genetic material. Example: DNA and RNA.
  2. DNA stands for Deoxyribonucleic acid- DNA is a double-helical structure that carries all the genetic information. It is an acidic substance in the nucleus identified by Friedrich Miescher. Its double-helical structure was given by Watson and Crick.
  3. RNA stands for Ribonucleic acid- Ribonucleic acid or RNA is a vital molecule with a long chain of nucleotides. It is the first genetic material. A nucleotide chain comprises a phosphate, ribose sugar, and a nitrogenous base. RNA acts as a catalyst and as genetic material. There are two types of RNA, that is genetic and non-genetic.

The main role of genetic material are as follows:

  1. Control the functions of DNA and RNA.
  2. Help in the development of protein and production of enzymes
  3. Helps in the growth of DA and RNA cells.
  4. It consists of a particular set of instructions or specific functions which are carried only by these genetic materials

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