put the following in order from smallest to largest cell, nucleus, gene, chromosome, DNA, organism, nucleotide

Biology · Middle School · Tue Nov 03 2020

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The correct order from smallest to largest would be:

1. Nucleotide 2. DNA 3. Gene 4. Chromosome 5. Nucleus 6. Cell 7. Organism

Let's look at each of these components:

  • Nucleotides are the building blocks of DNA and RNA. They consist of a sugar molecule, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.
  • DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is a molecule that carries most of the genetic instructions used in the growth, development, functioning, and reproduction of all known living organisms and many viruses. DNA is composed of long chains of nucleotides.
  • Genes are segments of DNA that contain the instructions for the synthesis of proteins or, sometimes, functional RNA molecules.
  • Chromosomes are structures within cells that contain a person's genes. A chromosome is made up of DNA tightly coiled many times around proteins called histones.
  • The nucleus is the organelle within a cell that contains the chromosomes and acts as a cell's control center.
  • Cells are the basic building blocks of all living organisms, microscopic containers that house the biological equipment necessary to keep an organism alive and successful.
  • An organism is any individual living thing that can react to stimuli, reproduce, grow, and maintain homeostasis. It can be a single cell such as bacteria, or a multicellular entity such as an animal or a plant.