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5: From DNA to traits

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    207954
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    • 5.1: From DNA to traits
      DNA carries instructions for our physical and behavioral characteristics, which are called traits. This chapter will cover how we go from the instructions in DNA to proteins, which are responsible for our traits.
    • 5.2: DNA Structure
      The model of the double-helix structure of DNA was proposed by Watson and Crick. The DNA molecule is a polymer of nucleotides, each of which is composed of a sugar, phosphate and base. The bases adenine and thymine always pair together, as do the bases cytosine and guanine.
    • 5.3: DNA Replication
      DNA is copied through a process called replication. The DNA strands are separated and each is copied, making two new molecules that are identical to each other and to the parent molecule.
    • 5.4: Transcription
      The process of making a protein from the instructions in DNA is called gene expression. The first step in gene expression is to make a working copy of the DNA, called RNA.
    • 5.5: Translation
      The second step in gene expression is called translation. The RNA produced in transcription is translated by the ribosome to produce proteins.
    • 5.6: Regulation of gene expression
      Using a gene to make a protein is called gene expression. Gene expression is regulated to ensure that the correct proteins are made when and where they are needed. Regulation may occur at any point in the expression of a gene.
    • 5.7: Mutations
      Mutations can occur when DNA is damaged or when mistakes are made in DNA replication. Germline DNA mutations will affect the children of the individual, while somatic mutations may have no affect or may lead to cancer.


    5: From DNA to traits is shared under a not declared license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts.

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