Genes: Introduction, Located, Operates, Facts
A gene is the basic physical and functional unit of heredity. Genes are made up of DNA. Some genes act as instructions to make molecules called proteins. Check this article to know more about the Genes.
Jasdeep Bhatia14 May, 2024
Share
Genes: The way we look and many other aspects of our identity are greatly influenced by our genes. They contain details that contribute to your identities and physical appearance, such as your curly or straight hair, long or short legs, and even your grin or laughter. Many of these traits are inherited genetically from one generation to the next in a family.
Environmental Issues and Solutions
Introduction
As DNA makes up genes, they are a functional unit of heredity. Parents give their offspring their genes, which they then inherit. Genes, which control an organism's properties, are typically arranged and bundled in chromosome-like structures. Genes can either be formed of DNA or RNA. Genetics is the scientific study of genes, genomes, inheritance, heredity, and cell cycles. It's a subfield of biology. William Bateson first used "genetics" in 1905, while Wilhelm Johannes, a Danish botanist, later used the term "GENE" in 1909. According to scientific theories, all living things on Earth have certain genetic traits because we all descended from a common ancestor. Humans and chimpanzees share 95% of the same genetic makeup. They are also genetically related to other animals, such as cats, cows, and livestock.What are Genes?
Your genes are the molecular instructions that govern how your body functions, is built and appears. Over 20,000 distinct genes exist in humans. Every gene in your body is duplicated in every cell. Your body's smallest building blocks are called cells. Your organs are made up of several cells kinds. Your brain has neuron cells, your liver contains liver cells, and your stomach contains cells that produce stomach acid. Genes regulate the development and function of every cell. One gene alone is responsible for some bodily functions. But several genes govern most things, like your height and weight. DNA, a very long molecular chain twisted to resemble a spiral staircase, makes up genes. The genetic code is made up of millions of steps on the staircase.Where are these Crucial Genes located?
They are invisible because they are so little. Chromosomes are little, spaghetti-like organelles that contain genes. Moreover, chromosomes are located inside cells. Your body contains many billions of cells. Cells are incredibly few units and are the building blocks of all living things. Because a cell is so tiny, a strong microscope is needed to observe it. There are hundreds or thousands of genes on one chromosome. Chromosomes are discovered in pairs that match (or pairs). The chromosomes and genes' DNA, also known as deoxyribonucleic acid.How Do Genes Operate?
Every gene carries out a distinct role. Like a recipe in a cookbook, a gene's DNA provides specific instructions to the cell on making specific proteins, like PRO-teens. The foundational elements of your body are proteins. Proteins are the building blocks of blood, muscles, earlobes, hair, bones, and teeth. These proteins support the development, functionality, and health of our bodies. According to modern science, as many as ten distinct proteins can be produced by each gene in the body. More than 300,000 proteins in all!Facts About Genes
There are numerous other fascinating and surprising facts regarding genes; a few of them are point-by-point described below.- All other traits we inherited from our parents, including heredity, are determined by genes.
- Each cell contains roughly 28,000–30,000 genes in humans, and each chromosome contains about 12000–13000 genes.
- A genome is a phrase used in genetics to describe the entire set of genes contained in one or more chromosomes in a single cell.
- A bit of the fundamental knowledge needed to create the specific proteins necessary for an organism is contained in each gene on each chromosome.
- Every human cell contains between 29 and 30 thousand genes, which are the cause of genetic traits like eye pigmentation, complexion, hair colour, etc. We all inherit traits like these from both of our parents.
- A gene is a segment of DNA that codes for a molecule with a specific purpose. Each gene, typically coded, includes specific instructions to produce a certain protein or for an accurate function.
- Alleles are the general term for the various forms that genes can take. Each chromosome in humans has two alleles, which are grouped in pairs for certain genes.
- Humans are highly similar to one another, which may be because we all share around 98% of the same genes. Our characteristics inherited from our parents make up the final 1%.
- Each parent passes their child on two copies of a gene. These are referred to as alleles and significantly impact how an individual looks.
- Although identical twins share the same genetic code, various variables may impact their growth and cause them to have radically different heights and other physical characteristics.
- An organism is called homozygous for a gene if both alleles are identical.
- In the majority of organisms, genes are composed of DNA. Genes contain all the information needed for a living creature to survive and reproduce. A promoter, a coding region, and a terminator are present in every gene.
- Each genetic locus in a human carries a pair of alleles inherited from both parents. Each pair of alleles describe a particular gene's genotype.
- The organism is referred to as heterozygous for that gene if the alleles of a specific gene differ.
- The main factors influencing how living things behave are their genes and DNA.
Related Links -
Facts About Genes <span style=
Q1. What are genes comprised of?
Ans. The chromosomes in the nucleus of cells have precise sites where genes are ordered sequentially on DNA sequences.
Q2. What is the origin of genes?
Ans. Your genome is inherited from your parents, with your mother inheriting 50% of it and your father 50%. Meiosis, a biological process, occurs when gametes are created. Because each gamete is distinct, much like your DNA, siblings from the same parents will not look alike.
Q3. Why are genes so crucial?
Ans. Your cells receive instructions from your genes on how to function and develop. The foundation of the body is made up of cells. Genes are organised on chromosomes, which are the structural units.
Q4. Where do genes typically occur?
Ans. The blueprint for your body is contained in your genes, which are kept on your chromosomes. Almost every cell in the human body has a copy of this blueprint; it is typically stored in the nucleus, a special sac inside the cell.
Q5. What kind of thing are genes?
Ans. Except for certain viruses, which have genes of a chemically related substance called ribonucleic acid, most genes are made of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) (RNA).
Talk to a counsellorHave doubts? Our support team will be happy to assist you!
Check out these Related Articles
Join 15 Million students on the app today!
Live & recorded classes available at easeDashboard for progress trackingMillions of practice questions at your fingertips
Free Learning Resources
PW Books
Notes (Class 10-12)
PW Study Materials
Notes (Class 6-9)
Ncert Solutions
Govt Exams
Class 6th to 12th Online Courses
Govt Job Exams Courses
UPSC Coaching
Defence Exam Coaching
Gate Exam Coaching
Other Exams
Know about Physics Wallah
Physics Wallah is an Indian edtech platform that provides accessible & comprehensive learning experiences to students from Class 6th to postgraduate level. We also provide extensive NCERT solutions, sample paper, NEET, JEE Mains, BITSAT previous year papers & more such resources to students. Physics Wallah also caters to over 3.5 million registered students and over 78 lakh+ Youtube subscribers with 4.8 rating on its app.
We Stand Out because
We provide students with intensive courses with India’s qualified & experienced faculties & mentors. PW strives to make the learning experience comprehensive and accessible for students of all sections of society. We believe in empowering every single student who couldn't dream of a good career in engineering and medical field earlier.
Our Key Focus Areas
Physics Wallah's main focus is to make the learning experience as economical as possible for all students. With our affordable courses like Lakshya, Udaan and Arjuna and many others, we have been able to provide a platform for lakhs of aspirants. From providing Chemistry, Maths, Physics formula to giving e-books of eminent authors like RD Sharma, RS Aggarwal and Lakhmir Singh, PW focuses on every single student's need for preparation.
What Makes Us Different
Physics Wallah strives to develop a comprehensive pedagogical structure for students, where they get a state-of-the-art learning experience with study material and resources. Apart from catering students preparing for JEE Mains and NEET, PW also provides study material for each state board like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and others
Copyright © 2025 Physicswallah Limited All rights reserved.