What is a gene
1: a large molecule that performs a specific function
2: a structure that contains many chromosomes
3: eight point that joins two half’s of a chromosomes
4: section of DNA that encodes a specific protein
4: section of DNA that encodes a specific protein
A gene is:
Option 4: a section of DNA that encodes a specific protein.
The correct answer is option 4: a section of DNA that encodes a specific protein.
To understand what a gene is, it's helpful to have some background knowledge about DNA. DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is a molecule that carries the genetic instructions for the development, functioning, growth, and reproduction of all living organisms. It is composed of building blocks called nucleotides. Each nucleotide consists of a sugar molecule (deoxyribose), a phosphate group, and one of four nitrogenous bases: adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), or guanine (G).
A gene is a specific sequence of DNA that contains the instructions for making a protein. Proteins play essential roles in various biological processes, such as enzyme activity, cell signaling, and structural support. Within a gene, the DNA sequence is divided into segments called exons and introns. Exons contain the coding regions that are translated into a protein, while introns are non-coding regions that are removed during the protein synthesis process.
To determine if an option accurately describes what a gene is:
1. Option 1: A large molecule that performs a specific function - This option is not correct because while a gene is part of a larger molecule (DNA), it specifically refers to a section of DNA that performs a specific function (encoding a protein).
2. Option 2: A structure that contains many chromosomes - This option is not correct. Genes are segments of DNA that are located on chromosomes, but they are not structures that contain many chromosomes themselves.
3. Option 3: Eight points that join two halves of a chromosome - This option is incorrect. Chromosomes have a characteristic shape, but they are not formed by eight points joining two halves.
4. Option 4: A section of DNA that encodes a specific protein - This option is correct. A gene is specifically a section of DNA that contains the genetic instructions to make a specific protein.
By understanding the composition of DNA and the key role of proteins, we can deduce that a gene is indeed a section of DNA that encodes a specific protein.