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Genetics - FAQ’s
WHAT IS DNA?
Deoxyribonucleic acid. It’s a molecule that controls the structure of proteins and is the
primary carrier of genetic (hereditary) information. It’s made up of nucleic acids, which
consist of phosphates, sugars and four chemical bases (adenine, thymine, cytosine,
and guanine).
WHAT IS A CHROMOSOME?
A threadlike structure found in the nucleus of the cell that contains the hereditary
material. A chromosome is made up of one tightly coiled DNA molecule. Humans have
46 chromosomes, which occur in 23 pairs.
WHAT IS A GENE?
Even scientists disagree on how to define a gene. Generally, a gene is defined as a
sequence of DNA that codes for a particular protein, or directs the cell’s function. (A
common misconception about genes is that their main purpose is to cause diseases).
WHAT DO PROTEINS HAVE TO DO WITH GENES?
The main purpose of genes is to store the recipe for making proteins. Proteins do the
work of the body: they generate energy, fight infection, digest food, form hair, carry
oxygen, etc. Each protein in the body is made from a gene, by a translation of the
genetic code (the DNA base sequences).
WHAT IS A GENOME?
The complete set of genes carried by an individual. The following analogy might help
you better understand the full scope of the human genome:
The human genome is like a book, which contains twenty-three chapters, called chromosomes
Each chapter contains several thousand paragraphs, called genes
Each paragraph is made up of words, called codons
Each word is written in letters, called bases
HOW MANY HUMAN GENES ARE THERE?
Scientists estimate there are between 30,000 and 40,000 genes in the human genome.
HOW GENETICALLY SIMILAR ARE HUMANS TO OTHER SPECIES?
The DNA of all living things is made up of the same four chemical bases (A,T,C,and G),
meaning that humans share their DNA with every other living thing on earth. We share
about 84% of our genes with capuchin monkeys, and about 98% of our genes with
chimpanzees. This means chimps are more closely related to humans than to gorillas!
WHAT IS GENETIC ENGINEERING?
The artificial manipulation of genetic material to create specific characteristics in
individuals (e.g. gene therapy, cloning).