Gene is the smallest part inside the DNA and it carries characteristics of the living being. A gene is the fundamental unit of heredity in an organism. It is a segment of DNA that contains instructions for making a specific protein or RNA molecule. These instructions are passed down from parents to their offspring, influencing their traits and characteristics.
Key points about genes:
- DNA: Genes are made up of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), a complex molecule that stores genetic information.
- Proteins: Many genes code for proteins, which are essential for various functions in the body, such as building tissues, enzymes, and hormones.
- RNA: Some genes code for RNA molecules, which can have different functions, including carrying genetic information to ribosomes for protein synthesis.
- Traits: Genes determine traits like eye color, hair color, height, and susceptibility to certain diseases.
- Mutations: Changes in the DNA sequence of a gene can lead to mutations, which can affect the function of the protein or RNA it produces.
