Difference Between Gene and DNA: DNA and Genes?

A gene is a specific segment of DNA that carries the code for making proteins, which determine traits and functions in an organism. DNA, the molecule that stores genetic information, is made up of many such genes. While DNA serves as the entire genetic outline, genes are the functional units within it. In this article, genetics, DNA, and the difference between genes and DNA are discussed. The difference between genes and DNA is a topic of the chapter Molecular Basis of Inheritance in Biology.

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This Story also Contains

1. What is DNA?
2. What is Gene?
3. Differences Between Gene And DNA

What is DNA?

DNA stands for Deoxyribonucleic Acid, a large and complex molecule having the genetic instructions applied in the growth, development, functioning, and reproduction of known living organisms and many viruses.

Structure of DNA

DNA has a unique double-helical structure that is twisted into a ladder. Such structure consists of the following elements:

• Nucleotides: They are commonly referred to as the fundamental structural and functional units of DNA. Each nucleotide is comprised of a sugar molecule, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.

• Sugar-Phosphate Backbones: Forms the backbone of the ladder, and is made of alternating sugar, deoxyribose and phosphate groups.

• Nitrogenous Bases: The rungs of the ladder; pairing is specific between Adenine (A) and Thymine (T) and between Cytosine (C) and Guanine (G).

Function of DNA

DNA forms the backbone of critical activities in living organisms, which include:

• Storage of Genetic Information: DNA contains instructions regarding the construction and working of an organism.

• Role in Heredity and Variation: DNA provides for the transfer of genetic information from parents to offspring, hence contributing to genetic diversity.

Types of DNA

• Nuclear DNA: It is found in the nucleus of the cell and codes for most of the genetic information.

• Mitochondrial DNA: It is found in the mitochondria and has some metabolic functions.

Also Read-

• MCQ on Gene and DNA
• Molecular Basis of Inheritance
• RNA Processing
• RNA Splicing

What is Gene?

A gene is a succession of nucleotides in the DNA molecule containing enough information to form a functional product, usually a protein. Genes are units of heredity and include information necessary for guiding the development, function, and reproduction of organisms.

Gene Structure

The structure of a gene is complex, with the following regions:

• Exons: those regions that code for a specific sequence of amino acids.

• Introns: are noncoding regions that are spliced out in the processing of RNA.

• Promoters and Enhancers: Regulatory sequences that control the expression and time of gene activation.

Function of Genes

Genes have various crucial functions, which include:

• Coding for Proteins: They carry the blueprint to synthesize proteins, which facilitate several cellular activities.

• Regulation of Biological Processes: Genes act as regulators for different biological processes by controlling when and how proteins are produced.

Types of Genes

• Structural Genes: Encode proteins for some part of the structure of the body.

• Regulatory Genes: Control the expression of other genes.

• Housekeeping Genes: Maintain the fundamental cellular functions necessary for the survival of the cell.

Differences Between Gene And DNA

It is one of the important Differences and comparisons articles in Biology. The points for gene and DNA differences are given below-

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