What are genes and how do work?

Genes are the code that makes up all life on Earth. Genes are sections of the long chain-like molecule called DNA, which is found coiled up into chromosomes in the nucleus of cells. The most important part of DNA are the nucleotides. There are 4 different types of nucleotide, A, C, G and T, and these are found on both strands of DNA, which forms a double helix. A binds with T and C binds with G, so that if one of the strands was CCGAGTA, the complementary strand would be GGCTCAT. When a gene is 'transcribed', the two strands of DNA are pulled apart, and complementary bases of the molecule mRNA (like DNA but one-stranded) bind to one of the DNA strands, and then this new mRNA chain exits the nulceus. It then binds to tRNA molecules, which also have complementary bases, and this tRNA then binds to amino acids, which bind to the complementary ends of each 3 sets of nucleotides, called codons. This is 'translation'. This chain of amino acids then forms a protein, and this protein, for example collagen, will go on to have a particular function, such as structuring our body. 

Answered by Anna D. Biology tutor

1867 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Describe two differences between mitochondria and prokaryotic cells such as bacteria?


Describe the structure of DNA.


How is mRNA produced in the nucleus of a cell


Can you explain the different types of protein structure? (primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary)


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy