tour of the basics dna

This page has been archived and is no longer updated

Introduction: What Is DNA?

However, DNA does more than specify the structure and function of living things — it also serves as the primary unit of heredity in organisms of all types. In other words, whenever organisms reproduce, a portion of their DNA is passed along to their offspring. This transmission of all or part of an organism's DNA helps ensure a certain level of continuity from one generation to the next, while still allowing for slight changes that contribute to the diversity of life.

But what, exactly, is DNA? What smaller elements make up this complex molecule, how are these elements arranged, and how is information extracted from them? This unit answers each of these questions, and it also provides a basic overview of the process of DNA discovery.

Further Exploration

Key Questions

Key Concepts

This page appears in the following eBook

Topic rooms within Genetics

Other Topic Rooms

• Gene Inheritance and Transmission
• Gene Expression and Regulation
• Nucleic Acid Structure and Function
• Chromosomes and Cytogenetics
• Evolutionary Genetics
• Population and Quantitative Genetics
• Genes and Disease
• Genetics and Society
• Cell Origins and Metabolism
• Proteins and Gene Expression
• Subcellular Compartments
• Cell Communication
• Cell Cycle and Cell Division

© 2014 Nature Education

• Press Room |
• Terms of Use |
• Privacy Notice |

Visual Browse

Medical School

Tour of Basic Genetics

Learn how traits pass from parents to offspring.

Explore traits, the characteristics that make us unique.

Get to know DNA, the molecule that holds the universal code of life.

Take a look at genes, the instructions for building a body.

Learn how proteins form the foundation for all living things.

These vehicles of inheritance pack a lot of information.

Funding provided by a gift from the R. Harold Burton Foundation.

APA format: Genetic Science Learning Center (2014, June 22) Tour of Basic Genetics. Learn.Genetics. Retrieved October 22, 2015, from http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/basics/ MLA format: Genetic Science Learning Center. "Tour of Basic Genetics." Learn.Genetics 22 October 2015 http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/basics/ > Chicago format: Genetic Science Learning Center, "Tour of Basic Genetics," Learn.Genetics, 22 June 2014, http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/basics/ > (22 October 2015)

Original post:

• Protein-truncating variants in BSN are associated with severe adult-onset obesity, type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease - Nature.com - April 7th, 2024 [April 7th, 2024]
• A deep dive into the genetics of alcohol consumption - Medical Xpress - April 7th, 2024 [April 7th, 2024]
• Right-wing authoritarianism appears to have a genetic foundation - PsyPost - April 7th, 2024 [April 7th, 2024]
• UC Irvine-led research team builds first tandem repeat expansions genetic reference maps - UCI News - April 7th, 2024 [April 7th, 2024]
• A Deep Dive Into the Genetics of Alcohol Consumption - University of California San Diego - April 7th, 2024 [April 7th, 2024]
• Untold story of bird evolution revealed through genetics - Earth.com - April 7th, 2024 [April 7th, 2024]
• Genetic Test for Opioid Addiction Risk Should Be Withdrawn, Experts Tell FDA - Medpage Today - April 7th, 2024 [April 7th, 2024]
• Scientists Discover 17 New Genetic Variants Linked to Alzheimer's Disease - SciTechDaily - April 7th, 2024 [April 7th, 2024]
• An hereditary liver disease cured with the help of gene scissors - EurekAlert - April 7th, 2024 [April 7th, 2024]
• World Anthropology Day showcases multifaceted programs | Binghamton News - Binghamton University - April 7th, 2024 [April 7th, 2024]
• Resilience to periodic disturbances and the long-term genetic stability in Acropora coral | Communications Biology - Nature.com - April 7th, 2024 [April 7th, 2024]
• Rare genetic variants found to have a large impact on obesity risk - Drug Target Review - April 7th, 2024 [April 7th, 2024]
• INTERACT COALITION FORMED TO ADVANCE PATIENT ACCESS TO GENETIC TESTING FOR HEREDITARY ... - PR Newswire - April 7th, 2024 [April 7th, 2024]
• Christensen Genetics - AG INFORMATION NETWORK OF THE WEST - AGInfo Ag Information Network - April 7th, 2024 [April 7th, 2024]
• New form of EDS identified by mutation in THBS2 gene - Ehlers-Danlos News - April 7th, 2024 [April 7th, 2024]
• Genetics of estrogen production linked to endometrial cancer risk in postmenopausal women - News-Medical.Net - February 13th, 2024 [February 13th, 2024]
• Cord Blood Registry (CBR) by CooperSurgical and Fulgent Genetics Launch Innovative Genetic Testing - PR Newswire - February 13th, 2024 [February 13th, 2024]
• Gene Variant Linked to Lower Levels of Hormonal Birth Control - The Scientist - February 13th, 2024 [February 13th, 2024]
• CooperSurgical, Fulgent partner on genetic screening panels - Medical Device Network - February 13th, 2024 [February 13th, 2024]
• UM Today | Faculty of Science | The intersection of genetics and advocacy - UM Today - February 13th, 2024 [February 13th, 2024]
• Genome-wide association study identifies human genetic variants associated with fatal outcome from Lassa fever - Nature.com - February 13th, 2024 [February 13th, 2024]
• Secrets of human genetics could optimize medical care - Earth.com - February 13th, 2024 [February 13th, 2024]
• Significance of genetic mutations in toxic tort cases - Rhode Island Lawyers Weekly - February 13th, 2024 [February 13th, 2024]
• Why Should Farmers Invest in New Genetics? A Recent Panel Discussion Offered Some Good Reasons - Seed World - February 13th, 2024 [February 13th, 2024]
• The Role of Genetics and Maternal Factors in Retinopathy of Prematurity: A Comparative Study - Medriva - February 13th, 2024 [February 13th, 2024]
• 'The Idea That Who You Are Is Only Genetics Is the Essence of Evil' - Books - Haaretz - February 13th, 2024 [February 13th, 2024]
• IPK researchers provide genetic explanations for shade-induced biomass allocation in wheat - EurekAlert - February 13th, 2024 [February 13th, 2024]
• River Valley Beef Cattle Conference to explore state of hay availability, cattle genetics and more - Stuttgart Daily Leader - February 13th, 2024 [February 13th, 2024]
• Harnessing human evolution to advance precision medicine - EurekAlert - February 13th, 2024 [February 13th, 2024]
• Twins are a mirror to each other and a window into the mysteries of genetics - WAMU 88.5 - February 13th, 2024 [February 13th, 2024]
• Unveiling the Disparity in Cardiovascular Health: Biological Factors, Dyslipidemia, and Genetics - Medriva - February 13th, 2024 [February 13th, 2024]
• Parental traits offer new clues to predicting neurodevelopmental disorders in children - News-Medical.Net - February 13th, 2024 [February 13th, 2024]
• Cheetahs Are Extremely Inbred: 50 Interesting Genetics Facts You May Have Missed At School - Bored Panda - February 4th, 2024 [February 4th, 2024]
• Five Best: Books on Genetics - WSJ - The Wall Street Journal - February 4th, 2024 [February 4th, 2024]
• 4 new US sites added to global Parkinson's genetics study - Parkinson's News Today - February 4th, 2024 [February 4th, 2024]
• Animal Genetics Market revenue to exceed USD 43.4 Billion by 2036, says Research Nester - Yahoo Finance - February 4th, 2024 [February 4th, 2024]
• Nobel Laureate and World-Renowned Geneticist to Speak at 2024 Commencement - News Center - Feinberg News Center - February 4th, 2024 [February 4th, 2024]
• Efforts are underway to improve genetics in cattle herds to better sustainability - RFD-TV - February 4th, 2024 [February 4th, 2024]
• First report on the molecular phylogenetics and population genetics of Aedes aegypti in Iran - Parasites & Vectors - Parasites & Vectors - February 4th, 2024 [February 4th, 2024]
• What can your DNA say about your risk of opioid addiction? - National Geographic - February 4th, 2024 [February 4th, 2024]
• The Born in Guangzhou Cohort Study enables generational genetic discoveries - Nature.com - February 4th, 2024 [February 4th, 2024]
• Invitae Partners with BridgeBio Pharma to Harness Genetic Insights for the Discovery of Rare Disease Therapeutics - PR Newswire - February 4th, 2024 [February 4th, 2024]
• Rare disorder causing extra fingers and toes identified - EurekAlert - February 4th, 2024 [February 4th, 2024]
• Retinal OCT and Genetics Identify Links Between Ocular and Systemic Health - Photonics.com - February 4th, 2024 [February 4th, 2024]
• Researchers discover mechanism that protects tissue after faulty gene expression - News-Medical.Net - February 4th, 2024 [February 4th, 2024]
• Genetics or lifestyle: What makes the greatest difference in health? - Agweek - February 4th, 2024 [February 4th, 2024]
• Why Some Folks Get COVID, and Others Never Do - HealthDay - February 4th, 2024 [February 4th, 2024]
• From plant genetics to fresh produce to be showcased in Berlin - FreshPlaza.com - February 4th, 2024 [February 4th, 2024]
• Adolescent Stress Alters Brain Genes, Affecting Adult Behavior - Neuroscience News - February 4th, 2024 [February 4th, 2024]
• Significance of genetic mutations in toxic tort cases - Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly - February 4th, 2024 [February 4th, 2024]
• New genetic test in England aims to make blood transfusions safer - Sickle Cell Disease News - February 4th, 2024 [February 4th, 2024]
• Unlocking tree genetic diversity: advanced hyperspectral phenotyping for enhanced Scots pine selection - EurekAlert - January 19th, 2024 [January 19th, 2024]
• The Role of Genetics in Cancer Care Continues to Expand - OncLive - January 19th, 2024 [January 19th, 2024]
• Family faces multiple diagnoses for genetic condition NF1 - Sanford Health News - January 19th, 2024 [January 19th, 2024]
• Unique gene variants tied to glaucoma found in Black patients - Livescience.com - January 19th, 2024 [January 19th, 2024]
• Myriad Genetics to Acquire Precise Tumor, Precise Liquid and Laboratory from Intermountain Precision Genomics - GlobeNewswire - January 19th, 2024 [January 19th, 2024]
• Reflections on the Idea of Social and Behavioral Genetics - The Hastings Center - January 19th, 2024 [January 19th, 2024]
• Building trust and saving lives: A community approach to genetic education - Medical University of South Carolina - January 19th, 2024 [January 19th, 2024]
• SOPHiA GENETICS and Karkinos Healthcare Forge Strategic Partnership to Advance Cancer Research in India India ... - PR Newswire - January 19th, 2024 [January 19th, 2024]
• 2024 Brevant Brand Corn Class Offers New Genetics and Traits - CropLife - January 19th, 2024 [January 19th, 2024]
• Genetics Reveal Poor Oral Health in Mesolithic Era - Mirage News - January 19th, 2024 [January 19th, 2024]
• Nova Siri Genetics strengthens its presence in Huelva, growing by 34% - FreshPlaza.com - January 19th, 2024 [January 19th, 2024]
• Controversial New Research Find That Bisexuals Are a Bunch of Rascals - Futurism - January 8th, 2024 [January 8th, 2024]
• Mayo Clinic Q&A: Weight loss and genetics - Chicago Tribune - January 8th, 2024 [January 8th, 2024]
• Nutrigene Launches Personalised Development Program to Intersect Genetics and Learning through DNA - JCN Newswire - January 8th, 2024 [January 8th, 2024]
• The DNA of privacy and the privacy of DNA - Federal Trade Commission News - January 8th, 2024 [January 8th, 2024]
• Development of a human genetics-guided priority score for 19365 genes and 399 drug indications - Nature.com - January 8th, 2024 [January 8th, 2024]
• Myriad Genetics, Inc.'s (NASDAQ:MYGN) Intrinsic Value Is Potentially 221% Above Its Share Price - Yahoo Finance - January 8th, 2024 [January 8th, 2024]
• Educational attainment of East Asians are linked to genetics - KBR - January 8th, 2024 [January 8th, 2024]
• MESuSiE enables scalable and powerful multi-ancestry fine-mapping of causal variants in genome-wide association ... - Nature.com - January 8th, 2024 [January 8th, 2024]
• Novel Genetic Priority Score Unveiled to Enhance Target Prioritization in Drug Development - Mount Sinai - January 8th, 2024 [January 8th, 2024]
• Biotechnology and Genomics: Illuminating the Path to Scientific Breakthroughs - Reliable Plant Magazine - January 8th, 2024 [January 8th, 2024]
• Genetic Influence on COVID-19 Vaccine Response Revealed - Medriva - January 8th, 2024 [January 8th, 2024]
• Straight Men With 'Bisexual Genes' Have More Kids, Study Finds - ScienceAlert - January 8th, 2024 [January 8th, 2024]
• Cancer Genetics - Cancer Genetics - St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust - January 8th, 2024 [January 8th, 2024]
• The genetic architecture of the human hypothalamus and its involvement in neuropsychiatric behaviours and disorders - Nature.com - January 8th, 2024 [January 8th, 2024]
• Raha Kapoor's blue eyes remind fans of her great-grandfather, Raj Kapoor; here's what genetics says - IndiaTimes - December 31st, 2023 [December 31st, 2023]
• Genetic clue to pericarditis inflammation points to promising new treatments - News-Medical.Net - December 31st, 2023 [December 31st, 2023]
• Understanding the genetic basis of hereditary diffuse gastric cancer - News-Medical.Net - December 31st, 2023 [December 31st, 2023]
• Environmental stress rather than genetics influenced height differences in early Neolithic people: Study - Phys.org - December 14th, 2023 [December 14th, 2023]

Tour of Basic Genetics

Learn how traits pass from parents to offspring.

Explore traits, the characteristics that make us unique.

Get to know DNA, the molecule that holds the universal code of life.

Take a look at genes, the instructions for building a body.

Learn how proteins form the foundation for all living things.

These vehicles of inheritance pack a lot of information.

• Workshops & Institutes
• Curriculum Index
• Research Opportunities

Sign In with Google

Create an Account

Stay informed! Sign up for our newsletter. We will never send you spam or sell your information.

Please verify that you are a teacher

Sign up with Google

Why should I sign up?

Even without an account, you’ll still have free access to most of the award-winning content on Teach.Genetics. Creating an account will give you access to additional content and tools.

Reset Password Email: Reset Password Email

• Basic Genetics

Paper Transcription and Translation

This hands-on activity reinforces the processes of transcription and translation. Usingpaper cut-outs, students follow the rules of complementary base pairing to build an mRNAmolecule, then translate the mRNA codons to assemble amino acids, building a protein. At theend, they learn which of 5 actual proteins they’ve built. (DNA and amino acid sequences havebeen abbreviated.)

• The arrangement of DNA building blocks in a gene specifies the order of amino acids in theprotein it codes for.
• Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins.
• The sequence of amino acids in a protein determines its structure and function.
• Living things make proteins the same way.

Estimated time 60-90 minutes

Materials Copies, scissors, tape, paper clips

Instructions Have students work individually or in pairs.

Review with the class how the structure and function of proteins is dictated by the DNA sequence of genes (structure and function of DNA).

See Teacher Guide for further instructions.

Mutate a DNA Sequence

Using a paper model, students make a mutation of their choice (substitution, insertion, or deletion) in a gene during DNA replication. Then they transcribe and translate the mutated sequence to reveal the resulting amino acid sequence.

After completing the activity, students learn about the example gene and protein—Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA-B)—including known variants.

• During DNA replication, occasional errors change DNA sequences. This process is called mutation.
• Changes in DNA sequences can lead to changes in proteins.

Estimated time 45 minutes

Materials Copies, scissors, tape

• DNA replication follows base-paring rules: A-T, C-G
• Sometimes during DNA replication, a base is inserted, deleted, or substituted with a different one, changing the DNA sequence of a gene.
• Changes in the DNA sequence of a gene can lead to changes in the protein it codes for.
• Give each student or pair of students one copy of the instructions and cut-outs.
• After students finish building their protein, give them a copy of the Protein and variant information handout.

Build-a-Bird

This paper model of sexual reproduction uses real pigeon traits to demonstrate how two parents can produce highly varied offspring. Students recombine parental chromosomes, make gametes, then randomly combine two gametes. Finally, they decode the resulting allele combinations to draw the traits of a pigeon offspring.

• Variations in the DNA sequences of genes are called alleles.
• Alleles are shuffled during sexual reproduction (recombination, independent assortment, and random fertilization).
• Allele shuffling during sexual reproduction contributes to genetic variation in a population.

Estimated time 30 minutes

Materials Copies, colored paper, scissors, tape, colored pencils

• Give each student a copy of the instructions and chromosome cut-outs.
• After students complete their pigeons, hang them (along with the gametes they used to make them) all on a large wall space or white board.
• How allele “shuffling” during sexual reproduction contributes to genetic and phenotypic variation in offspring
• The amount of genetic and phenotypic variation you see in the offspring from just two pigeons

Does Sunscreen Protect My DNA?

In this laboratory experiment students explore how effectively different sunscreens protect yeast cells from damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

Have Your DNA and Eat It Too

Students build an edible model of DNA while learning basic DNA structure and the rules of base pairing.

Reading DNA

Students use edible models of the DNA molecule to transcribe an mRNA sequence, then translate it into a protein.

Reproductive Strategies

Compare sexual and asexual reproduction in several organisms.

• There are two modes of reproduction; sexual and asexual.
• There are advantages and disadvantages to both sexual and asexual reproduction.

Student Pages (fillable pdf)

Teacher Guide (pdf)

The Genetic Science Learning Center: The Basics and Beyond

• https://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/basics/

This website presents an animated "tour" of the basics of DNA and genes. Students will get the chance to learn more about DNA, genes, chromosomes, proteins, traits and heredity. 

About this Resource

• University of Utah. Genetic Science Learning Center
• Instructional Material -- Instructor Guide/Manual
• Instructional Material -- Interactive Simulation
• Instructional Material -- Lesson/Lesson Plan
• Application -- Flash
• Document -- HTML
• Learner/Student
• High School -- Grade 9
• High School -- Grade 10
• High School -- Grade 11
• High School -- Grade 12
• Higher Education -- Undergraduate (Lower Division)
• Agricultural and Environmental Technologies -- Environmental technologies
• Science -- Biological and life sciences
• Genetics--Study and teaching
• Advanced Technology Environmental and Energy Center (ATEEC)

Associated Files

• Free access

• Enter the Course Modules
• University of Pennsylvania

Discovering the Genome

Search form.

• For Teachers

Tour of the Genome

About the course module.

This module describes genome structure and how it relates to function. It uses videos to introduce and visually represent the human genome. In small groups, students investigate how problems with genome structure can result in genetic diseases.

* Genome Overview —intro video, discussion, and questions: 25 minutes * Chromosome Close-up —video, discussion, and questions: 20 minutes * Packaging DNA —video, discussion, and questions: 10 minutes * Chromosome Arrangement —video, discussion, and questions: 20 minutes * Genome Structure and Disease —do these all together: 40–100 minutes, depending on how you have your students present their findings

Teacher Tips, NGSS, & Other Resources

Student Handouts

More About the Discussion Questions

Glossary Handout

Pa standards.

Genome Overview

1. A genome is a parts list and instruction manual for life that is made of all the deoxyribose nucleic acid (DNA) in an organism.

2. Adult diabetes

3. 99.9% identical between individual humans, 85% identical between humans and mice

Chromosome Close-up

1. Exons carry the DNA code for proteins, while the introns are noncoding.

2. Hemogloblin (note that beta globin, delta globin, beta globin pseudogene, gamma globin, and epsilon globin make up hemoglobin)

Packaging DNA

1. a) DNA wraps around histones (protein molecules) = nucleosome, b) nucleosomes packaged in a thread = chromatin, c) coiled chromatin (“solenoid”) can loop/coil into chromosomes

2. Chromosomes are present in the nucleus only during cell division.

Additional Resources

DNA replication during mitosis

DNA replication during meiosis

Chromosome Arrangement

1. “Bowl of Spaghetti” model

2. “Chromosome Territory” model because a laser damaged only a few chromosomes in each nucleus. The researchers could tell which chromosomes were damaged because the DNA repaired itself using special radioactively labeled nucleotides, which were distinct from the original nucleotides in the chromosomes.

Karyotyping

Balanced translocation

Unbalanced translocation

The links with resources on the seven genetic disorders will provide the information to answer the questions.

a) Which chromosome(s) are modified in this disorder? Give a brief description of how the genome of individuals with this disorder is different from the genomes of people who do not have this disorder. b) What are the phenotypes (observable traits) of this disorder?

Responses for each disorder can be found here .

Overview of common genetic disorders

Karyotypes of the above disorders (scroll to the bottom of the page)

NOTIFICATIONS

Genetics webquest.

• + Create new collection

In this activity, students carry out a genetics webquest using resources from the Science Learning Hub or a genetics animation from the Learn Genetics website.

By the end of this activity, students should be able to:

• explain the key terms DNA, gene, chromosome, trait, genotype and phenotype
• describe where DNA is found in the body
• explain that genes code for specific proteins
• explain the basic concept of inheritance – that parents pass chromosomes on to their children
• explain how our phenotypes are a result of an interaction between genetic make-up and environmental factors
• give some examples of environmental factors that affect our phenotypes.

Download the Word file (see link below) for:

• introduction/background notes
• what you need
• extension ideas
• student worksheets
• teacher answer sheet.

Useful link

Visit the Learn Genetics website to go on an animated tour covering DNA, genes, chromosomes, proteins, heredity and traits.

See our newsletters here .

Would you like to take a short survey?

This survey will open in a new tab and you can fill it out after your visit to the site.

My Biosoftware – Bioinformatics Softwares Blog

Supply Bioinformatics Softwares Everyday

TOUR OF THE BASICS – Introduce DNA & Genes

Tour of the basics.

:: DESCRIPTION

TOUR OF THE BASICS is a flash animated tour of  DNA & Genes.

::DEVELOPER

Genetic Science Learning Center

:: SCREENSHOTS

:: REQUIREMENTS

• Windows / Mac OsX

:: DOWNLOAD

:: MORE INFORMATION

Funding provided by a grant from The R. Harold Burton Foundation.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• Basic Genetics

Old Tour of Basic Genetics

Thanks for visiting the Tour of the Basics.

For the most up-to-date version of this content, visit our Basic Genetics videos.

We will keep the old version here for as long as web browsers continue to support it. However, we won’t be updating it.

• What is Heredity?
• What is a Trait?
• What is DNA?
• What is a Gene?
• What is a Protein?
• What is a Chromosome?

Funding provided by a gift from the R. Harold Burton Foundation.

The basics of reading a putt by the grain on the green

Understanding the grain on the green can be the reason a player makes or misses a putt.

For some it can be a confusing concept, but the grain influences golfers in how they read and execute a putt.

Ahead of the Hero Indian Open on the DP World Tour, Joost Luiten gave a players’ insight behind its basics.

“It changes not the way I putt but the way you read a putt,” Luiten said.

DLF G&CC, host venue this week in New Delhi, is a Bermuda-grass layout meaning the influence of grain is more keenly felt for those in the field rather than bentgrass, more commonly found in the UK.

Put simply, putts will be slower when rolling against the grain and faster when putting with the grain.

Six-time DP World Tour winner Luiten also explains how looking at the golf hole itself to determine which is the grassy or bald side plays a key role.

“The hard thing about grain is it obviously depends on how hard you hit it,” he added. “If you hit it hard it affects it less, if you hit it softer it is going to break more.”

Watch the video above to hear Luiten’s insights into reading the grain on the green.

Angel Hidalgo feeling at home at DLF Golf & Country Club

Angel Hidalgo compared DLF Golf & Country Club to his favourite course in the world after firing an impressive 67 over the intimidating layout on day one of the Hero Indian Open.

Challenge Tour Partners

• Basic Genetics

Introduction to Molecular Genealogy

• Introduction
• The Four Types of DNA
• Autosomal DNA
• X Chromosome DNA
• Y Chromosome DNA
• Mitochondrial DNA

Masters Tournament

Augusta National Golf Club

Augusta, Georgia • USA

Apr 11 - 14, 2024