The absolute basics
Genes, DNA, chromosomes, the genome.
Questions
What is a gene?
A gene is a short stretch of DNA that carries the instructions for one specific job in your body — usually, building a particular protein.
Are genes and DNA the same thing?
No. DNA is the material; a gene is a section of it. All genes are made of DNA, but not all DNA is genes.
How do genes actually work?
Genes work by telling your cells which proteins to make, and proteins do almost all the real work of keeping you alive.
Key terms
- DNA
- The molecule that stores your genetic instructions, written in four letters: A, T, G, C.
- Gene
- A section of DNA that carries instructions for one specific job, usually making a protein.
- Genome
- Your complete set of DNA — all your genes and everything in between.
- Chromosome
- A package that stores your DNA; humans have 23 pairs.
- Protein
- The molecule genes instruct your cells to build; proteins do the body's work.
- Mutation
- A change in DNA; can be inherited or newly arising, harmful, harmless, or helpful.
- Genotype
- The specific set of variants you actually carry.