GENES

Genes are segments of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) that can act by controlling cellular structure and functions, as well as the functioning of other genes.

The setof genes of a living organism is called the genome, or genetic material. The location of a gene within the chromosome that houses it is called a locus.

Chemically, each gene consists of a sequence of nucleotides, which in turn consist of a nitrogenous base, a sugar, and a phosphate group. The expression of a gene involves the formation of a ribonucleic acid (RNA) from the portion of DNA corresponding to that gene, through a process called transcription.

This RNA, formed from the expression of a gene, will be responsible for the production of a specific protein through a process known as translation. In turn, this specific protein can perform various functions, including:

• Composition of one of the various cell structures;
• Participation in chemical reactions responsible for cell functioning;
• Regulatory action on the functioning of the cell itself and/or other cells;
• Regulatory action on gene expression.

Thus, ultimately, genes control all cellular processes and characteristics. For this reason, changes in gene structure, known as mutations, can lead to the formation of defective proteins, with possible consequences for the structure and normal functioning of cells.