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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Gene and DNA?

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The main difference between genes and DNA lies in their structure and function. Here is a comparison between the two:

  • DNA: Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is a molecule that carries the genetic instructions or hereditary materials for all living organisms. DNA is composed of two strands that wrap around each other to form a double helix shape, like a spiral staircase. Each strand is formed of four basic building blocks or 'bases': adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G), and thymine (T). DNA is located within the nucleus of the cell.
  • Genes: Genes are functional units of heredity and are made of DNA. They are segments of your DNA that give you physical characteristics that make you unique. Genes are the DNA stretches that contain the set of instructions to produce one specific molecule in your body, usually a protein. A single gene may be many thousands of bases long. Genes are organized and packaged in components called chromosomes. Most of our known genes code for proteins, but some code for RNA molecules.

In summary, DNA is the molecule that carries the genetic instructions, while genes are specific segments within the DNA that contain the instructions to produce particular molecules, usually proteins.

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  • What is the Difference Between Gene and DNA?
  • Comparative Table: Gene vs DNA

    • Comparative Table: Gene vs DNA

    Here is a table highlighting the differences between genes and DNA:

    Feature Gene DNA
    Definition A gene is a specific sequence of DNA that encodes for a particular protein or functional RNA. DNA is a biomolecule made up of two long, twisted strands containing complementary genetic information.
    Function Genes play a vital role in controlling the functions of both DNA and RNA and regulate the traits of an organism. DNA contains the genetic information necessary for all living organisms and is involved in heredity, replication, mutations, and cell division.
    Location Genes are located on chromosomes within the nucleus of the cell. DNA is located within the nucleus of the cell.
    Composition Genes are made up of either DNA or RNA. DNA is a polymer of nucleotides.
    Inheritance Thirty thousand genes are passed on from both the mother and father to the child. DNA is the genetic material passed down from parents to offspring.

    In summary, genes are functional units of heredity made of DNA, while DNA is the genetic material that carries the genes and encodes the complete genomic information of an organism.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.