Your six friends have just arrived from Canada back to their school’s biology lab.

In their lab, they worked with and examined onion root-tip cells to become familiar with mitosis.

After discussing mitosis, they began to discuss how organisms store genetic information.

This is what they said:

Courtney: “We know that organisms have to store genetic information and that this information is passed on when cells undergo mitosis.”

Jose: “Yes, that information is contained within the DNA of a given plant or animal. I wonder what about DNA is special that allows information to be stored?”

Raquan: “I’m not sure about that, Jose – perhaps its structure? I think DNA also may be made up of smaller units, but I’m not sure. What might those units be called?”

Mike: “Yes, DNA is made up of smaller units: nucleotides. Jose, I wanted to clarify something about DNA: all organisms have it, right?” Also, I have heard about genes – those are the same as DNA, right?

Keisha: “Mike, genes are related to DNA. I think they condense (i. e., bunch together) to form DNA. However, I’m not sure that DNA and genes are the same.

Alex: “Keisha, something does condense to form DNA but I’m not sure if genes do that or maybe chromosomes? Also, Mike, all living organisms do contain DNA, but do they also all contain genes and chromosomes?”

Directions: Based on each person’s statement, identify if you agree or disagree by placing an X in one of the columns, then explain your reasoning.