AQA · GCSE · Chemistry
Course version: 8462 · Version from Sept 2018
DNA encodes genetic instructions for the development and functioning of…
Full specification wording
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and other naturally occurring polymers: DNA encodes genetic instructions for the development and functioning of living organisms and viruses.
DNA acts as a coded set of instructions.
Checked against the AQA 8462 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 2 of 5
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
DNA acts as a coded set of instructions. The sequence of nucleotides along a DNA chain encodes the information that controls how a living organism or virus develops and how it functions. Development includes growth and the formation of different cell types, while functioning includes the everyday chemical reactions and processes that keep an organism alive. In viruses, DNA can also carry the instructions needed for the virus to replicate inside a host cell. The code works because the order of the four nucleotide bases is read in groups, and this order determines the sequence of amino acids in proteins. For example, a particular stretch of DNA may encode a protein enzyme needed for a specific reaction. You should be able to explain that DNA stores instructions and that the sequence of nucleotides carries the code.
What earns the marks
- DNA carries genetic instructions in the form of a coded sequence.
- The code is determined by the order of nucleotides along the DNA chain.
- DNA also encodes instructions for viruses, allowing them to replicate and function.
- The coded information is used to build proteins, which carry out many life processes.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Saying DNA directly builds the organism.
Put it right: DNA encodes instructions that are used to make proteins, which then carry out development and functioning.
Thinking DNA only affects appearance.
Put it right: DNA controls both development and the everyday functioning of organisms and viruses.
Believing viruses do not contain genetic instructions.
Put it right: DNA in viruses encodes instructions for their development and functioning.
Exam tips
- Use the word encodes when describing how DNA stores instructions.
- Mention both development and functioning to cover the full statement.
- Include viruses as well as living organisms when giving examples.
- Link the nucleotide sequence to the coded information it carries.
Try the lesson
The start of the DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and other naturally occurring polymers: DNA encodes genetic instructions for the development and functioning of living organisms and viruses. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
What is the role of DNA in a living organism?
Listen
DNA acts as a coded set of instructions. The sequence of nucleotides along a DNA chain encodes the information that controls how a living organism or virus develops and how it functions. Development includes growth and the formation of different cell types, while functioning includes the everyday chemical reactions and processes that keep an organism alive. In viruses, DNA can also carry the instructions needed for the virus to replicate inside a host cell. The code works because the order of the four nucleotide bases is read in groups, and this order determines the sequence of amino acids in proteins. For example, a particular stretch of DNA may encode a protein enzyme needed for a specific reaction. You should be able to explain that DNA stores instructions and that the sequence of nucleotides carries the code. A strong answer earns marks for these points. DNA carries genetic instructions in the form of a coded sequence. The code is determined by the order of nucleotides along the DNA chain. DNA also encodes instructions for viruses, allowing them to replicate and function. The coded information is used to build proteins, which carry out many life processes. A common slip: Saying DNA directly builds the organism: the error is skipping the role of proteins. Instead, DNA encodes instructions that are used to make proteins, which then carry out development and functioning. Exam tip: Use the word encodes when describing how DNA stores instructions.
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