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

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), less commonly referred to as deoxyribose nucleic acid, was discovered in the 1800s by a Swiss biochemist named Miescher. In 1953, James Watson, Francis Crick, and Rosalind...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>
4 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 Sarah Parrish

DNA research, in itself, is neither good nor bad. It's a tool. It's like asking if a hammer is good ...More>
19 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>
9 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.

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