Question 1

What is DNA?

Accepted Answer

DNA is like a recipe book inside every living thing that tells it how to grow and work. It's made of tiny parts that fit together like a puzzle to give instructions for everything about us.

Question 2

Why is DNA important?

Accepted Answer

DNA is important because it holds all the information needed to make and maintain a living thing. It's like a blueprint for building everything in your body.

Question 3

What does DNA look like?

Accepted Answer

DNA looks like a twisted ladder or a spiral staircase. It's called a double helix because it has two long strands that twist around each other.

Question 4

Where is DNA found?

Accepted Answer

DNA is found inside the cells of living things. Most of it is in a special part of the cell called the nucleus, which acts like the cell's control center.

Question 5

How does DNA work?

Accepted Answer

DNA works by giving cells instructions on what to do, like making proteins that help the body function. These instructions are written in a special code that's read by the cell's machinery.

Question 6

Can DNA change?

Accepted Answer

Yes, DNA can change through a process called mutation. Sometimes these changes can be helpful, harmful, or have no effect at all.

Question 7

Do all living things have DNA?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all living things, like plants, animals, and even tiny bacteria, have DNA. It helps each one grow and survive in its own special way.

Question 8

Is everyone's DNA the same?

Accepted Answer

No, everyone's DNA is a little bit different, which makes each person unique. Even though it's mostly the same, the small differences are what make us who we are.

Question 9

How do we get our DNA?

Accepted Answer

We get our DNA from our parents, half from our mom and half from our dad. This is why we look a bit like both of them!

Question 10

Can DNA tell us our eye color?

Accepted Answer

Yes, DNA has instructions for things like eye color, hair color, and other traits. It's one of the reasons why family members often share similar features.

Question 11

What happens if DNA gets damaged?

Accepted Answer

If DNA gets damaged, it can sometimes be fixed by special proteins that repair it. If not, it can cause problems or diseases, but cells try hard to keep DNA safe.

Question 12

Can scientists change DNA?

Accepted Answer

Yes, scientists can change DNA using special tools, which can help fix genes that cause diseases. This is called genetic engineering, and it helps in medicine and agriculture.

Question 13

What is a gene?

Accepted Answer

A gene is a small part of DNA that has the instructions for making one part of a living thing. It's like one recipe in a big cookbook!

Question 14

How small is DNA?

Accepted Answer

DNA is incredibly tiny, so you need a special tool called a microscope to see it. All the DNA in your cells, if stretched out, could reach the moon and back!

Question 15

Why do scientists study DNA?

Accepted Answer

Scientists study DNA to understand more about how living things work and to find new ways to treat diseases. It's like solving a puzzle that helps improve our world.

Question 16

Can animals have the same DNA as humans?

Accepted Answer

Animals can have some DNA that's similar to humans, especially animals like chimpanzees. However, they also have differences that make them unique.

Question 17

Is DNA alive?

Accepted Answer

No, DNA itself is not alive. It's just a molecule that holds information, much like a book isn't alive but can tell a story.

Question 18

How is DNA used in crime investigations?

Accepted Answer

DNA can help solve crimes because it's unique to each person, like a fingerprint. Investigators can find out who was at a crime scene by matching DNA from evidence.

Question 19

Can plants have DNA too?

Accepted Answer

Yes, plants have DNA just like animals and humans do. It helps them grow, make food, and survive in their environments.

Question 20

How does DNA help animals and plants adapt?

Accepted Answer

DNA changes over time and helps animals and plants adapt to their environments. These changes can make them better suited to survive and thrive.

The DNA of Living Organisms - 20 FAQs Explained Simply