DNA, Genes, and Proteins

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What is DNA?

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DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) is the molecule that carries the genetic instructions for life. It is composed of two strands that coil around each other to form a double helix.

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What are genes?

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Genes are segments of DNA that contain the instructions for building proteins, which determine traits in an organism.

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What is a protein?

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Proteins are large, complex molecules made up of amino acids that perform various functions in the body, including catalyzing metabolic reactions, replicating DNA, and responding to stimuli.

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What is the relationship between DNA and proteins?

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DNA contains the instructions for making proteins. Genes in DNA are transcribed into mRNA, which is then translated into proteins.

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What are the four bases of DNA?

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The four bases of DNA are Adenine (A), Thymine (T), Cytosine (C), and Guanine (G). They pair specifically: A with T and C with G.

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What is a chromosome?

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A chromosome is a long, continuous thread of DNA that contains many genes. Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes.

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What is the human genome?

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The human genome is the complete set of DNA in a human, including all of its genes.

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What is transcription in genetics?

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Transcription is the process by which the information in a gene is transferred to messenger RNA (mRNA) for protein synthesis.

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What is translation in genetics?

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Translation is the process by which ribosomes read the mRNA sequence and assemble amino acids into a protein.

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What is a mutation?

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A mutation is a change in the DNA sequence that can lead to changes in protein structure and function, potentially causing diseases.