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What is genes? 


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Genes are fundamental units of inheritance, composed of DNA, that control protein synthesis in organisms. They play a crucial role in genetic studies, breeding strategies, and the composition of food. Mutations in genes can lead to heritable changes, affecting protein production and causing genetic diseases. Understanding genes involves grasping their role in storing genetic information, their organization into genomes, and the intricate mechanisms of gene expression and regulation within cells. Genes are not solely about protein-coding; some genes may not have a known function, while others impact traits like sensitivities to food or diseases. Overall, genes are essential components of life, influencing traits, heredity, and the functioning of organisms at molecular levels.

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Book ChapterDOI
01 Jan 2015
1 Citations
Genes are short segments of DNA carrying information for making cellular proteins essential for life. They can undergo mutations, affecting protein function and leading to genetic diseases.
Book ChapterDOI
24 Jun 2022
Genes are the basic units of inheritance organized within DNA, storing genetic information essential for cell function, organism development, and species evolution, as detailed in the paper.
GENES is a software package for statistical analysis and quantitative genetics, crucial in plant and animal breeding studies, aiding in parameter estimation and decision-making processes for selection strategies.
Book ChapterDOI
27 Apr 2023
A gene is a DNA molecule in cells controlling the synthesis of specific proteins. Genes have diverse functions, including non-coding roles, and contribute to individual traits and characteristics.
Book ChapterDOI
28 Oct 2022
Genes are the hereditary material that determines traits in organisms. Genetics studies heredity and gene functioning, crucial in food production and consumer sensitivities, emphasizing breeding for desired characteristics.

Related Questions

What is Genetics?5 answersGenetics is the scientific study of heredity, encompassing the transmission of biological information from one generation to another. It involves the study of genes, which are sections of the DNA molecule that code for specific proteins, leading to the production of unique characteristics and functions. The field of genetics has three major subdivisions: transmission genetics, physiological genetics, and population genetics, focusing on DNA transmission, gene expression mechanisms, and heritable variation within populations. Gregor Mendel is credited with establishing the basic principles of genetics in 1865, marking the beginning of this scientific discipline. Genetics plays a crucial role in understanding inherited biological information, disease susceptibility, and the development of new therapeutic interventions to minimize individual disease risks.
What is genetics?5 answersGenetics is the study of biological inheritance and the transmission of characteristics from one generation to another. It encompasses the cellular and molecular basis of biological information, including DNA, genes, and chromosomes, and their role in normal and disease states. There are three major subdivisions of genetics: transmission genetics, which focuses on the mode of DNA transmission from parent to progeny; physiological genetics, which explores how genes affect organismal phenotypes through transcription and translation processes; and population genetics, which examines the distribution of heritable variation within interbreeding populations. Genetics plays a crucial role in understanding and improving human health, with applications ranging from disease risk estimation to the development of new drugs and therapies. It also has ethical and moral implications, as seen in debates surrounding genetic modification and gene editing technologies. Overall, genetics is a dynamic and rapidly advancing field that has profound implications for all aspects of human life.
What is application of genes?5 answersGene therapy is the treatment of abnormal or mutated genes through the addition of healthy genes or modification of faulty genes. It involves the use of genetic materials such as DNA, RNA, and oligonucleotides, which are inserted into cells using viral or non-viral vectors. Gene therapy has shown promising results in single-gene disorders, but its application in polygenic and age-related diseases requires further evidence. In the field of molecular biology, genes are used to study human genes and identify genes associated with diseases and mutations. Techniques such as recombinant DNA technology and prenatal testing can be used to screen for mutations in DNA obtained from amniotic fluid or fetal tissue. Gene therapy also has applications in cancer treatment, with research focusing on developing gene delivery systems for high transfection efficiency and minimal toxicity. Additionally, genes play a role in the differentiation and adaptive evolution of black bees in specific regions, and specific genes can be used for identification and genetic diversity research.
What is dna?4 answersDNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is a molecule that carries genetic instructions for the development, functioning, and reproduction of all living organisms. It is composed of four bases: adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G), and thymine (T). These bases form specific pairs with each other on the famous double helix structure of DNA, with A pairing with T and G pairing with C. DNA is stored as a code made up of these bases and is packaged in chromosomes within the nucleus of cells. It contains the genetic information necessary for cell replication and functioning, which is transcribed into RNA and translated into proteins. While most DNA is located in the cell nucleus, a small amount can also be found in the mitochondria, where it is called mitochondrial DNA or mtDNA. Mitochondrial DNA plays a crucial role in normal mitochondrial function.
What is gene therapy?5 answersGene therapy is a treatment method that involves introducing therapeutic genes into cells or tissues to correct or modify gene function and treat diseases such as cancer and genetic disorders. It utilizes various strategies, including gene activation, gene silencing, immunotherapy, suicide gene therapy, and antiangiogenic gene therapy. Gene therapy has seen significant advancements in recent years, with the development of specific viral vectors, plasmids, nanoparticles, and microRNAs for targeted gene delivery. It has the potential to become a new medical procedure that can make cancer a controllable disease when used alone or in combination with existing treatment options. However, there are still challenges to overcome, such as the need for standardized protocols and validation of safety and efficacy. Gene therapy has been successfully used to treat various diseases, including neoplasia, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, and infections. It is an area of high ethical concern due to potential effects on future generations and associated risks, such as unexpected gene activation or inactivation and complications from the inserted genetic material.
What is gene?4 answersA gene is a discrete genomic region that contains the information for the synthesis of functional proteins or non-coding RNAs. It is regulated by one or more promoters and distal regulatory elements. The concept of a gene has evolved over time, from being defined as an indivisible unit of inheritance subject to mutations and genetic recombination, to being associated with the synthesis of a specific enzyme, and later with a continuous DNA sequence responsible for the synthesis of mRNA and polypeptides. However, recent discoveries have challenged the traditional view of a gene, revealing the existence of repeated genes, split genes, alternative splicing, and transposable elements. Gene therapy, which involves the delivery of nucleic acids to treat genetic disorders, has shown promising results in clinical trials, particularly using lentiviral and adeno-associated viral vectors.

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