AQA · GCSE · Biology
Course version: 8461 · Version from Sept 2018
The genetic material in the nucleus of a cell is composed of a chemical…
Full specification wording
DNA and the genome: The genetic material in the nucleus of a cell is composed of a chemical called DNA.
In eukaryotic cells, most genetic material is found in the nucleus.
Checked against the AQA 8461 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 2 of 9
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
In eukaryotic cells, most genetic material is found in the nucleus. That material is the chemical DNA, which stands for deoxyribonucleic acid. DNA carries the instructions that control the characteristics and activities of the cell. The nucleus therefore acts as the control centre because it contains DNA. You should be able to state the location and the chemical identity of the genetic material, and explain that DNA is a molecule, not a cell structure. For example, in a human body cell, the nucleus contains DNA organised into chromosomes; the DNA sequence provides the coded information needed to make proteins. This links the nucleus to inheritance and to the control of cell activity.
What earns the marks
- The nucleus contains the genetic material of the cell.
- The genetic material is composed of the chemical DNA.
- DNA is a molecule that carries coded instructions.
- DNA controls the characteristics and activities of the cell.
- In eukaryotic cells, DNA is found mainly in the nucleus.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Saying that the nucleus is made of DNA.
Put it right by stating that the nucleus is a structure that contains DNA.
Confusing DNA with a protein.
Put it right by stating that DNA is a nucleic acid and proteins are different molecules.
Stating that DNA is found only in the nucleus of every cell type.
Put it right by noting that prokaryotes have DNA not enclosed in a nucleus and some DNA is in mitochondria and chloroplasts.
Exam tips
- Name the nucleus as the location and DNA as the chemical when answering location questions.
- Use the full name deoxyribonucleic acid once, then the abbreviation DNA.
- Link DNA to the control of cell activity to show understanding of its function.
Try the lesson
The start of the DNA and the genome: The genetic material in the nucleus of a cell is composed of a chemical called DNA. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Which chemical makes up the genetic material in the nucleus of a cell?
Listen
In eukaryotic cells, most genetic material is found in the nucleus. That material is the chemical DNA, which stands for deoxyribonucleic acid. DNA carries the instructions that control the characteristics and activities of the cell. The nucleus therefore acts as the control centre because it contains DNA. You should be able to state the location and the chemical identity of the genetic material, and explain that DNA is a molecule, not a cell structure. For example, in a human body cell, the nucleus contains DNA organised into chromosomes; the DNA sequence provides the coded information needed to make proteins. This links the nucleus to inheritance and to the control of cell activity. A strong answer earns marks for these points. The nucleus contains the genetic material of the cell. The genetic material is composed of the chemical DNA. DNA is a molecule that carries coded instructions. DNA controls the characteristics and activities of the cell. A common slip: Saying that the nucleus is made of DNA. Instead, stating that the nucleus is a structure that contains DNA. Exam tip: Name the nucleus as the location and DNA as the chemical when answering location questions.
See it
Put it in order
Put these steps in the order they happen.
- 1. Genetic material is the chemical DNA
- 2. Contains genetic material
- 3. Nucleus
- 4. Controls characteristics and activities of the cell
- 5. Carries coded instructions
- 6. DNA is a molecule
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Genetic material
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
DNA
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Nucleus
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Control of cell activity
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
See every definition
- Genetic material
- Material found in the nucleus of a cell that is composed of a chemical called DNA.
- DNA
- A chemical, standing for deoxyribonucleic acid, that carries the instructions controlling the characteristics and activities of the cell.
- Nucleus
- A structure that contains DNA and therefore acts as the control centre of the cell.
- Control of cell activity
- The role of DNA, which carries the instructions that control the characteristics and activities of the cell.
Label the diagram
Some boxes have lost their names. Pick the right name for each number.
1Box 1
2Box 2
3Box 3
There is more to this lesson
The full lesson goes on to check your understanding and help you earn the marks. Create a free account to carry on, with your progress saved.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge
Test your understanding of DNA and the genome: The genetic material in the nucleus of a cell is composed of a chemical called DNA.
Active recall beats re-reading. Take an instant quiz now to test what you’ve learned and lock it into long-term memory.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge