Understanding how the genes actually work

In summary, genes act as a template for our qualities and proteins help with the expression of these qualities. Both genes and proteins play a role in determining our traits, but environmental factors can also influence them. Eye color is controlled by multiple genes and the protein melanin, while qualities like running are multifactorial. While genetics is complex, understanding the relationship between genes and proteins is essential to understanding our qualities.
  • #1
Hoksalon
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I have understood that one gene on the chromosome is coding for one special proteine (RNA), but a gene is also deciding which qualities we get. Is my human qualities based on genes or proteines? Is it the same thing, or is it two very different things?

I asked the teacher and he said that our qualities can not work if we are lacking important proteines, for example that I need some specific proteines to have a good concentration, run fast etc. This may be true, but this is quantitative qualities and I am _very_ that this is not true if we are speaking about qualitative qualities such as eyecolor.

Thanks for answering :)

This is first year in high school btw.
 
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  • #2
Okay, so here is a simplified flow of information.

1) DNA acts like a template, and it stays in the nucleus.

2) mRNA (messenger RNA) takes a specific sequence and transfers it to a ribosome (located outside the nucleus).

3) tRNA and mRNA then work with the ribosome to sort of cobble together a polypeptide (amino acid)

4) the 20 amino acids that this process can form combine to make all the variety of proteins in your body.

So the answer to your question is both, sort of. Genes are the template that tells your cells what qualities you possess, and proteins help with the expression of phenotypes.

As for the second part, all qualities are determined by your genes and your teacher is correct. You need to synthesize proteins and such for qualities to work. However, keep in mind that we don't ALWAYS need to synthesize these proteins because of gene expression. A good example of this is the brain in the latter stages of life, where neurons cease to grow.

Also, eye color is controlled by the same things that create proteins. It is a polygenic (meaning its controlled by multiple genes), and the protein primarily associated with it is melanin (a pigment). However running isn't necessarily controlled by your genes alone, since things like that are multifactorial (also controlled by the environment).

Genetics is a vast and complicated field of study, and its hard to pinpoint the causes behind each quality since there are so many factors that can be influences. But that's the gist of it, sort of. I hope that made sense!
 
  • #3
Yes, it did. :) Thanks!
 

1. How do genes determine our traits?

Genes are segments of DNA that contain instructions for making proteins, which are responsible for our physical traits. These instructions are encoded in the sequence of nucleotides (A, T, C, G) within the gene. When proteins are produced, they interact with other molecules in the body to ultimately determine our traits.

2. Can genes be turned on or off?

Yes, genes can be turned on or off through a process called gene regulation. This can be influenced by environmental factors, such as diet and lifestyle, as well as internal factors like hormones. Gene regulation allows cells to respond to changing needs and maintain balance in the body.

3. How do mutations in genes affect their function?

Mutations are changes in the DNA sequence that can alter the instructions for making a protein. This can result in a change in the protein's structure or function, which can have various effects on the body. Some mutations may have no noticeable effect, while others can cause genetic disorders or predispose individuals to certain diseases.

4. Do all of our cells have the same genes?

Yes, all of our cells contain the same set of genes. However, not all genes are active in every cell. Different cell types use different sets of genes based on their specific functions. This is why different cells in our body, such as skin cells and muscle cells, have distinct appearances and functions.

5. How are genes passed down from parents to offspring?

Genes are passed down from parents to offspring through the process of reproduction. During sexual reproduction, each parent contributes one copy of each gene to their offspring. This results in a unique combination of genes in each individual, which is why siblings may have different traits even though they share the same parents.

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