Where is DNA?
Ed Radclyffe, CSIRO
You are made up of billions of cells. Current estimates put the figure somewhere between 10 billion and 100 billion cells. Inside nearly every cell is a nucleus containing your own unique set of 46 chromosomes. Each of these chromosomes consists of a compact coil of an incredibly long molecule of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).
Genetics Education, Murdoch Children's Medical Research Institute
DNA is so tightly coiled that approximately 1.8 metres of it is able to fit into the nucleus of a human cell.
DNA stores all the coded information needed for everyday growth and metabolism. Its information is passed down generations, and influences your appearance and the way your body functions.
Zoom into the human body to find DNA - interactive
Extracting DNA in your kitchen - work sheet [PDF, 29kb, 2 pages ]
Watch a movie to see how DNA is packaged.
Basic movie
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Advanced movie
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