What is a gene?
a section of DNA that encodes a specific protein
a point that joins two halves of a chromosome
a structure that contains many chromosomes
a large molecule that performs a specific function
A gene is a section of DNA that encodes a specific protein.
A gene is a section of DNA that encodes a specific protein or functional RNA molecule. It is the basic unit of heredity and contains the instructions for producing a particular trait or characteristic.
To understand what a gene is, it is helpful to know a bit about DNA. DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) is a molecule found in the cells of all living organisms. It is a long, double-stranded chain made up of four different nucleotides - adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G). These nucleotides are arranged in a specific sequence, and this sequence contains the genetic information necessary for the development, functioning, and reproduction of an organism.
Genes are specific segments within the DNA sequence. They are like "instructions" that determine the synthesis of proteins or functional RNA molecules, which are essential for various biological processes in an organism. Each gene has its own unique sequence of nucleotides that codes for a specific protein or RNA molecule.
When a gene is expressed, the DNA sequence is "read" and transcribed into a molecule called messenger RNA (mRNA). The mRNA is then translated into a protein by the cell's machinery. This protein carries out various functions, such as enzymes for chemical reactions, structural components of cells, or signaling molecules.
So, in summary, a gene is a section of DNA that encodes a specific protein or functional RNA molecule, and it serves as the fundamental unit of heredity and biological function.