Biology SL
Biology SL
4
Chapters
553
Notes
Theme A - Unity & Diversity
Theme A - Unity & Diversity
Theme B - Form & Function
Theme B - Form & Function
Theme C - Interaction &  Interdependence
Theme C - Interaction & Interdependence
Theme D - Continuity & Change
Theme D - Continuity & Change
IB Resources
Theme A - Unity & Diversity
Biology SL
Biology SL

Theme A - Unity & Diversity

Unraveling Eukaryote Genome Diversity Size Vs. Functionality

Word Count Emoji
545 words
Reading Time Emoji
3 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 5th Nov 2024

Table of content

Diversity in eukaryote genomes

Main Ideas

  • Eukaryote genomes vary greatly in size and base sequences.
  • This variation is greater between species than within a species.
  • Large genomes aren't necessarily "better" or more functional.

Examples

  • The human genome is like a vast library, but almost half of it is filled with "junk DNA" called transposons. Imagine a bookshelf with loads of books, but half of them are filled with gibberish. That's what our DNA can be like!

Variation in genome size

Main Ideas

  • Genome size is measured in base pairs.
  • There's a huge range in genome sizes, even among closely related species.
  • Large genomes can contain a lot of "junk DNA."

Examples

  • The Paris japonica, a flowering plant, has the largest known genome, which is 50 times larger than that of humans! Imagine having 50 human-sized closets filled with clothes, but only half of them are wearable. That's what this plant's DNA is like!

Variation in base sequence

Main Ideas

  • Two populations of a species will have some differences in base sequences.
  • Differences increase if the populations diverge into separate species.
  • Some genes change infrequently because they have essential functions, like cytochrome c.

Examples

  • The gene for cytochrome c, vital in respiration, is like a classic family recipe. It doesn't change much over generations, because it's essential and works perfectly.

Unlock the Full Content! File Is Locked Emoji

Dive deeper and gain exclusive access to premium files of Biology SL. Subscribe now and get closer to that 45 🌟

Nail IB's App Icon
IB Resources
Theme A - Unity & Diversity
Biology SL
Biology SL

Theme A - Unity & Diversity

Unraveling Eukaryote Genome Diversity Size Vs. Functionality

Word Count Emoji
545 words
Reading Time Emoji
3 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 5th Nov 2024

Table of content

Diversity in eukaryote genomes

Main Ideas

  • Eukaryote genomes vary greatly in size and base sequences.
  • This variation is greater between species than within a species.
  • Large genomes aren't necessarily "better" or more functional.

Examples

  • The human genome is like a vast library, but almost half of it is filled with "junk DNA" called transposons. Imagine a bookshelf with loads of books, but half of them are filled with gibberish. That's what our DNA can be like!

Variation in genome size

Main Ideas

  • Genome size is measured in base pairs.
  • There's a huge range in genome sizes, even among closely related species.
  • Large genomes can contain a lot of "junk DNA."

Examples

  • The Paris japonica, a flowering plant, has the largest known genome, which is 50 times larger than that of humans! Imagine having 50 human-sized closets filled with clothes, but only half of them are wearable. That's what this plant's DNA is like!

Variation in base sequence

Main Ideas

  • Two populations of a species will have some differences in base sequences.
  • Differences increase if the populations diverge into separate species.
  • Some genes change infrequently because they have essential functions, like cytochrome c.

Examples

  • The gene for cytochrome c, vital in respiration, is like a classic family recipe. It doesn't change much over generations, because it's essential and works perfectly.

Unlock the Full Content! File Is Locked Emoji

Dive deeper and gain exclusive access to premium files of Biology SL. Subscribe now and get closer to that 45 🌟