Genes are the fundamental units of heredity from "summary" of El gen / The Gene: An Intimate History by Siddhartha Mukherjee
Genes, those intricate units of inheritance that weave the fabric of life, are the very essence of our biological being. They are the blueprint that guides the development and functioning of every living organism, from the tiniest microbe to the most complex human being. Within the nucleus of each cell, genes hold the key to our physical characteristics, our susceptibility to diseases, and even our behaviors and personalities. In the intricate dance of heredity, genes are passed down from generation to generation, carrying within them the genetic information that defines who we are. They determine everything from the color of our eyes to our risk of developing certain diseases. Through the process of reproduction, genes are shuffled and recombined, creating an endless array of genetic possibilities that make each individual unique. But genes are not static entities; they are dynamic and adaptable, capable of responding to the environment and evolving over time. Through the mechanism of natural selection, genes that confer a survival advantage are passed on, while those that are detrimental are weeded out. This constant interplay between genes and the environment shapes the course of evolution, driving the diversity of life on Earth. Despite their immense complexity, genes are remarkably simple in their basic function – they contain the instructions for building and maintaining an organism. Each gene is composed of a specific sequence of nucleotides, the building blocks of DNA, which encode the information needed to produce proteins. These proteins, in turn, carry out the myriad tasks that keep our bodies functioning properly, from digesting food to fighting off infections.- Genes are the threads that connect us to our ancestors and to future generations. They are the carriers of our biological heritage, the link that ties us to the vast tree of life that stretches back billions of years. Understanding the role of genes in heredity is not just a matter of scientific curiosity – it is a profound exploration of our own existence, a journey into the very essence of what it means to be alive.
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