What is DNA?

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is a very complicated molecule that contains millions of atoms of carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, and hydrogen. This molecule is located in every living cell and makes up chromosomes inside the center of the cell. Chromosomes carry information or genes that the living creature needs to grow.

DNA is a blueprint of all living things. A person's DNA consists of half of the mother's DNA and half of the father's DNA. Organized into stretches of genes, they stretch where proteins attach to coil the DNA into chromosomes. The structure of DNA in a form called the double-helix because of its spiral-like form.

What is a gene? What is a chromosome?

A gene is a set of instructions that controls how a protein is made. Each of them is located in a chromosome, in which there are 46 of them in a human cell. A strand of a chromosome is called DNA. Chromosomes are located in the nucleus of a cell.

What is cloning?

Cloning is another word for genetic engineering, which is the manipulation and 'creation' of living things using science. That includes cloning animals, plants, and bacteria. Scientists have produced Dolly the sheep, five little piglets, and many more clones including plants and bacteria. There are two main methods of cloning: embryo-splitting & nuclear-transfer technology. Each different method has its own advantages. Embryo-splitting produces a purer clone than nuclear-transfer technology. In the future, scientists will develop more clones, more genetic farming, and maybe even clone humans!