Match the terms to their definition.

1. chromosome
a genetic characteristic of an individual
2. eukaryote
a specific sequence of dna nucleotides that carry hereditary traits
3. gene
a cell whose nucleus is not bound by a membrane
4. prokaryote
a cell that has a membrane-bound nucleus
5. trait
tight coils of dna

Answer/Explanation:

1. chromosome  - tight coils of DNA

Before the cell is ready to divide, it replicates the DNA and then condenses the DNA to form structures called chromosomes. These X shaped, tightly coiled structures are divided between two daughter cells, so that each cell has identical genetic information to the parent cell after it has been divided. The human genome is organised into pairs of 23 chromosomes (46 total).

2. eukaryote  - a cell that has a membrane-bound nucleus

Eukaryotes are distinct from prokaryotes because their DNA is housed in a membrane-bound organelle called a nucleus. Humans are examples of eukaryotes. Eukaryotes are usually much more complicated organisms than prokaryotes, which is why their DNA requires physical separation from other cell components. Eukaryotes also possess other membrane-bound organelles that are present in a prokaryote.

3. gene   - a specific sequence of DNA nucleotides that carry hereditary traits

DNA can (mostly) be divided up into functional units called genes. These genes specify proteins that play important functions in the cell. Variation in the DNA at genes can mean that the structure and function of the protein is affected, producing different traits for different individuals.

4. prokaryote -  a cell whose nucleus is not bound by a membrane

Unlikely eukaryotes as described in question 2, prokaryotes lack a membrane bound nucleus. Instead, their DNA is housed in a region of the cytoplasm called the nucleoid. Prokaryotes tend to have much less DNA and it is much less complex. It is usually organised into a single circular molecule

5. trait  - a genetic characteristic of an individual

Traits describe a characteristic that is determined by a gene or several genes working together, and can also be influenced by the environment (depending on what the trait is). Phenotypes describe a trait. For example, the pea plant height is a trait, but tall or short is the phenotype.