Question

What are genes? Where are they found in the cell? Mention their functions.

Answer 1

Genes:

1. Genes are the units of heredity that are passed on from the parents to the offspring, they determine the characteristics of the offspring.
2. They are a distinct sequence of nucleotides that form a part of a chromosome.
3. Genes are found present in almost every single cell’s nucleus and are composed of DNA strands.
4. DNA is constituted of segments known as genes as its ingredients, wherein each gene adds a particular protein to the final outcome.
5. Proteins are considered to build, regulate and maintain the body.
6. The term genome can be used to refer to the total complement of genes in a cell that can be stored in one or more chromosomes.
7. Chromosomes are composed of a single, lengthy DNA helix upon which plenty of genes are encoded.
8. The region of the chromosome at which a specific gene is located is known as a locus.

Functions of Genes:

1. Genes control the functions of DNA and RNA.
2. Proteins are the most important materials in the human body which not only help by being the building blocks for muscles, connecting tissue and skin but also takes care of the production of enzyme.
3. These enzymes play an important role in conducting various chemical processes and reactions within the body. Therefore, protein synthesis is responsible for all activities carried on by the body and is mainly controlled by genes.
4. Genes consist of a particular set of instructions or specific functions. For example, the globin gene was instructed to produce hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein that helps to carry oxygen in the blood.