What is a gene?

Summary

The video 'What exactly is a gene?' by Stated Clearly explains that genes are specific sequences of DNA nucleotides that code for proteins, which are crucial for various bodily functions. Humans have approximately 20,000 genes, varying in size and function. These genes determine traits and characteristics, and are shared among different species, highlighting the interconnectedness of life. Genetic engineering allows for the manipulation of genes across species, leading to innovations like insect-resistant corn and insulin-producing bacteria.

Takeaways

• 🧬 Each human cell contains 46 strands of DNA, and a single strand is composed of millions of nucleotides.
• 🔤 Nucleotides are of four types: A (Adenine), C (Cytosine), T (Thymine), and G (Guanine), which are the building blocks of DNA.
• 🧵 A gene is a specific sequence within DNA that codes for a particular function, not a physical feature like blue eyes or freckles.
• 🌟 Genes instruct cells to produce proteins, which are responsible for the physical traits and functions in our bodies.
• 📚 A single DNA strand can contain thousands of genes, and humans have approximately 20,000 genes in total.
• 📏 Gene length varies, with some being as short as 300 nucleotides and others over a million, influencing the protein's size and shape.
• 🌈 The size and shape of a protein determine its function within the body, such as hemoglobin in red blood cells or pepsin in digestion.
• 🌿 Different organisms have different genes, which accounts for the diversity in appearance and function among species.
• 🔄 The DNA code is nearly universal across all living things, suggesting a common ancestry and facilitating genetic engineering.
• 🧪 Genetic engineering allows for the transfer of genes between different species, resulting in innovations like insect-resistant corn and longer-lasting tomatoes.

Q & A

How many strands of DNA does each human cell contain?

Each human cell contains 46 strands of DNA.

What are the four types of nucleotides that make up DNA?

The four types of nucleotides are A (Adenine), C (Cytosine), T (Thymine), and G (Guanine).

What is a gene and how does it differ from a strand of DNA?

A gene is a special sequence of nucleotides (As, Cs, Ts, and Gs) that codes for something, whereas a strand of DNA contains thousands of genes.

What do genes code for?

Genes code for proteins, which are the building blocks for various structures and functions in the body.

How do proteins relate to physical traits like freckles or blue eyes?

Proteins interact with other chemicals in the body to build traits like freckles or eye pigments, but single genes do not directly create these traits.

How many genes does a single strand of DNA contain?

A single strand of DNA contains thousands of genes.

How many genes do humans have in total?

Humans have roughly twenty thousand genes in total.

What determines the size and shape of a protein?

The length and sequence of a gene determine the size and shape of the protein it builds.

Give an example of a protein and its function in the body.

Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells that captures oxygen molecules near the lungs and releases them near oxygen-starved tissues.

Why do different creatures have different genes?

Different creatures have different genes, which determine the proteins they produce and thus their physical characteristics and functions.

What is the significance of the fact that all living things use the same DNA code?

The fact that all living things use the same DNA code (As, Cs, Ts, and Gs) suggests that all life on Earth is related.

How do genetic engineers manipulate genes from different organisms?

Genetic engineers can take a gene from one organism, like a bacteria, and insert it into the DNA of another organism, such as a plant or animal, which will then produce the protein coded by that gene.

What are some examples of genetically engineered products mentioned in the script?

Examples include corn that is toxic to insects but safe for humans, tomatoes that last longer, and bacteria that produce human insulin for people with diabetes.