DNA is the molecule that carries genetic information from "summary" of El gen / The Gene: An Intimate History by Siddhartha Mukherjee
The gene is the fundamental unit of heredity, a scrap of information passed down through generations. It carries the codes for building and maintaining an organism, a manual for constructing a living being. Central to this manual is DNA, the molecule that encodes genetic information. DNA is a long, double-stranded chain made up of four chemical bases: adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine. These bases pair up in a specific way - adenine with thymine, cytosine with guanine - creating a genetic code that carries instructions for all the traits and functions of an organism. The sequence of these bases along the DNA chain forms the genetic code unique to each individual, determining everything from eye color to susceptibility to disease. DNA is not a static molecule but is constantly replicating and transcribing itself to pass on genetic information to new cells and offspring. This replication process is highly accurate, but not without errors, leading to variations in genetic code known as mutations. Mutations can be beneficial, harmful, or neutral, and can drive evolution by introducing new traits or adaptations. The discovery of DNA as the molecule that carries genetic information revolutionized biology and our understanding of heredity. It revealed the molecular basis of inheritance and the mechanisms by which traits are passed down from one generation to the next. Understanding DNA has opened up new possibilities for genetic research, from gene editing to personalized medicine.- DNA is the molecule that carries genetic information, serving as the blueprint for life and the key to understanding heredity. Its intricate structure and functions hold the secrets to our genetic makeup and the diversity of life on Earth. Through the study of DNA, we continue to unravel the mysteries of genetics and explore the potential for future advancements in science and medicine.
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