Characteristics Determined By Genes

Each and every trait of an individual is determined by genes. Genes decide the characteristics of an individual such as:

  • Height
  • Eye Color
  • Blood Group
  • Immunity
  • Genetic disease

Gene – Structure, Types & Characteristics

Gene is defined as the fundamental unit of inheritance because it is transferred from parents to offspring. A gene is a basic unit of heredity in biology. It carries instructions encoded in DNA that control the manufacture of particular proteins or useful RNA molecules. As the molecular blueprints for an organism’s growth, operation, and regulation, genes are essential for transferring genetic information from one generation to the next.

In this article, we will read about genes, their history, gene structure and composition, types of genes, the characteristics determined by genes, their function, and much more.

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Gene Definition

Gene is the fundamental unit of DNA that encodes all the genetic information in the form of nucleotides....

What is a Gene?

The term “Gene” was coined by Johanssen in 1909. A gene is a unit of inheritance that is composed of DNA and carries all the genetic information. The gene consists of DNA nucleotides and serves as the basic unit of heredity. These nucleotides code for an amino acid and form a functional protein. The gene has a set of coding regions, promoters, and termination sequences....

History

The invention of the microscope played a significant role in visualizing the intracellular structure and led to the discovery of the cell. In 1842, Karl Wilhelm von Nageli found the existence of thread-like structures inside the plant cell nucleus and called them “transitory cytoblasts” which are now known as “chromosome”. At first, chromosomes were thought to be responsible for inheritance. After the introduction of inheritance theory by Mendel in 1865, it was well understood that some elements are responsible for inheritance in organisms and these units of inheritance are now called “genes”....

Gene Composition and Structure

Genes are built up of DNA, which is a long strand of nucleotide monomers. A phosphate group, pentose sugar (deoxyribose), and one of the nitrogenous bases—adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), or guanine (G)—compose these monomers. The structure of the gene consists of four nucleotides....

Types of Genes

Some of the types of Genes are discussed below:...

Regulation and Expression of Genes

Genes are expressed only when needed and the expression of genes are regulated by certain factors. Experimental studies have shown that the gene carrying information is not active all the time. It can be activated or deactivated in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms....

Characteristics Determined By Genes

Each and every trait of an individual is determined by genes. Genes decide the characteristics of an individual such as:...

Functions of Gene

Genes play a crucial role in the inheritance of an organism....

FAQs on Gene

What are Gene and Genomes?...

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