How Genes Work

A gene is a segment in the long poly-deoxyribonucleic acid chain. According to the "one gene, one protein" concept, this segment must be enough for the production of one protein / polypeptide molecule. Then, it is possible to control one hereditary trait. Therefore, whether a segment of DNA can control one trait is dependent on whether it can conduct the production of a complete protein molecule. If it can, then, it can control one hereditary property. Otherwise, if the segment cannot direct the production of a protein (or polypeptide) , or the protein cannot master a hereditary trait, then, this segment cannot be regarded as a gene.

A gene should be able to produce a protein or a polypeptide molecule after transcription and translation. Replication is just the process to reproduce the DNA material, but not involve in the production of proteins.


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(06.08.2008)