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DNA: The basics of genetics

Structure, Function, and Awe

The basics

Deoxyribonucleic acid, more widely known as DNA, is the blueprint of human life. Every one of our cells contains this macromolecule, which encodes all of the proteins essential for our bodies to form and function by using only four chemicals - the bases represented by A, G, C, and T. The sequence of these bases in the DNA strand, in conjunction with environmental influences, ultimately determine our fate - from skin color, eye color, hair color, height, and disease.

The function of DNA is part of the central dogma of biochemistry: DNA is transcribed into RNA which is then translated into protein. The proteins then act on the DNA to repeat this process and to carry out all cellular functions.

What came first, the protein or the DNA? We don't yet know!

by Alicia M Prater PhD

"DNA" is an acronym for deoxyribonucleic acid, less commonly referred to as deoxyribose nucleic acid. The molecule was discovered in the 1800s by a Swiss biochemist named Miescher, but James Watson, F...More>
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Links of interest

  • Traces the history of the discoveries relating to DNA and inheritance. Includes diagrams and links to related resources.
  • An animated primer on the basics of DNA, genes, and heredity. ... Classical Genetics · Molecules of Genetics · Genetic Organization and Control ...
  • Learn how the genetic markers in DNA can help you to find your ancestors. Plus, how to use genealogy and genetics to predict your risk from a variety of ...
  • The National Human Genome Research Institute fact sheet Deoxyribonucleic Acid ( DNA) This link leads to a site outside Genetics Home Reference. ...

Write on Genetics!

Helium needs writer's for these titles! Help share the knowledge about Genetics...

by Celestia Canute

Throughout history, many a scientist has studied a chemical substance that duplicated itself. Eventually, scientists learned that this substance, housed within each gene, was deoxyribonucleic acid (DN...More>
6 articles  Write NowWrite

One of the greatest discoveries

The discovery of genetic material, the law of inheritance, was named one of Discover's top 100 discoveries.

Watch Bill Nye explain the discovery of genetic material and what it is we inherit from our parents.

Then watch a video about the discovery of DNA as the genetic material.

No

by Eric Yager

Arguably, no other field of scientific research has generated as much debate as genetic research. On...More>
30 articles  Write NowDebate It

Yes

by Dan Mason

Mankind has taken it upon itself the role of god. He has split the Atom, traveled in space and the s...More>
16 articles  Write NowDebate It

DNA repair

by Alicia M Prater PhD

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is the genetic material of human cells. Changes in the DNA can disrupt cell function and result in disease, including cancer. Types of alterations include damage due to env...More>
1 articles  Write NowWrite

by Karen Bledsoe

DNA is called the "ladder of life," and rightly so. Every living organism on planet Earth has DNA as its hereditary molecule. What's more, the code that DNA contains, in which every three bases is the...More>
2 articles  Write NowWrite

Comments (1 to 1 of 1)

Michele Blacksberg
May 28, 09 at 12:26 AM
Very nicely done! Thanks for the assortment of info.
Journalist: Alicia M Prater PhD
Company: Self Employed
Title: General contractor - e...
Education: New York Medical Colle... PhD
Helium member since Sep 27, 07
Number of Zones: 5
  • Medical News Today | 2009/12/18 13:19:09
    "15 cigarettes equal one DNA mutation" captures graphically the enormity of what was discovered when a UK-led team of scientists reported this week how they cracked the code of two killer cancers: small cell lung cancer and malingnant melanoma. Another compelling revelation was they said they could see "sunlight's signature" in the DNA mutations of the melanoma cells...
  • Medical News Today | 2009/12/17 14:46:32
    Aided by next-generation DNA sequencing technology, an international team of researchers has gained insights into how more than 60 carcinogens associated with cigarette smoke bind to and chemically modify human DNA, ultimately leading to cancer-causing genetic mutations. In a new study available online and in a future issue of the journal Nature, lung-cancer experts in the Harold C...
  • Science Daily | 2009/12/17 03:15:15
    Aided by next-generation DNA sequencing technology, researchers have gained insights into how more than 60 carcinogens associated with cigarette smoke bind to and chemically modify human DNA, ultimately leading to cancer-causing genetic mutations.
  • News-Medical-Net | 2009/12/17 06:21:51
    Aided by next-generation DNA sequencing technology, an international team of researchers has gained insights into how more than 60 carcinogens associated with cigarette smoke bind to and chemically modify human DNA, ultimately leading to cancer-causing genetic mutations.
  • Daily Telegraph | 2009/12/17 08:20:05
    Scientists at the Sanger Institute have come up with not one, but two, tours de force. They have read the entire genetic message in tumour, and normal, cells in a well-advanced case both lung cancer and skin cancer. The results are both fascinating and alarming.

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