What is a gene?

You've probably heard about GMOs or Genetically Modified Organisms but what exactly is a gene and what does it mean to modify the genes of a plant or animal?

We hear about DNA and genes all the time in the news and in our biology classes but very few of us can actually explain what a gene is? This short film is designed to help.

Here we discuss a basic definition of a gene, show what a gene looks like, what it is that genes actually code for, and the basic idea behind Genetically Modified Organisms.

The video also briefly mentions one of the ways DNA strongly suggests that all living things are related and share an evolutionary history.

Content for this video has been modified from two text books:
Molecular Biology of the Cell, third edition:
Bruce Alberts, Dennis Bray, Julian Lewis, Martin Raff, Keith Roberts, James D. Watson

Biology Eighth Edition:
Neil Campbell, Jane Reece, Lisa Urry, Michael Cain, Steven Wasserman, Peter Minorsky, Robert Jackson

Fruit flies share about 50% their genes with humans comes from NASA and NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information)

Hope you liked the video, more are in the works. Stay Curious!

Portuguese captions by Marcos André

#genetics #biology #evolution

[jaydogg]

My biology teacher once told me:

"The nucleus of a cell is like your local library, it contains and houses all the books and information you will ever need. The DNA is like the reference section of the library, you are not allowed to remove any of the reference books from the building, as the librarians don't want these irreplaceable books lost or damaged. However you are allowed to "photocopy" the pages to use the information, as whats the point in having information you can not use. Once you have "photocopied" the information you need, you can then use this information for what ever purpose."

The "photocopies of the reference book" represent the mRNA transcripted from the DNA. The mRNA then travels outside the nucleus to be translated by a ribosome to create the protein the mRNA encodes for. This is done by connecting amino acids together in chains. The protein created is then exported out the cell to be used for its function.

This is a very simplified version of the entire transcription and translation process. I am happy to answer any questions I am capable of, and give a slightly more in depth overview if asked for. But what my biology teacher told me, helped me understand the overall process, and i think is a very clear and clever analogy.


Great vid by the way.

[tobothehobo]

I need to watch this for my online classes

[Sanjay-vuvb]

What exactly is a Gene?
--> A Gene is a special stretch of DNA not the entire strand of DNA just a segment that codes for something.


-->Each Gene is like a unique recipe which usually tells the cells how to make protein or a group of proteins.


-->Different creatures have different genes but all genes are written in the same basic DNA language of A's, C's, T's and G's.

[bhardvajashwin]

You guys seriously need to make more of these! This information is incredible and its presented superbly! HATS OFF!

[nikhilsharma-jxzw]

A complex thing explained simply in a 4 minute video
LOVELY!!

[Inkwellhell]

This video is super helpful I watched a few other videos and it helped me pass my science test with 51/60! That’s the highest score I’ve ever got! So thank you soo much

[BobMcCob]

Maaaan, I'm such a visual learner and this taught more then any teacher has in my life... Thank you for this.

[tictock]

These videos are actually making sense to me, they're making learning fun because it's so easy to understand. I hope to see more videos soon!

[AlleyCryptid]

You made an awesome video. I came here because I was talking to my 4yr old about genetic modification, he asked me 'what is a gene' and I didn't know how to answer it in a way that he would even begin to understand. He doesn't completely comprehend everything we just watched (he's 4 so, yeah) but he's already asking me if we can watch more stuff to explain other things. Subbed and grateful. Thank you so much. You never realize how hard it is to describe something until you have kids and you have to define everything, ever.

[JessNVee]

As a teacher, I must say: this is excellent content. Your channel name is truly fitting! Thank you for your great work!!

[alexandersen]

One of the best explanations I've encountered. You guys are undoubtedly aware that the brain best recalls the first and last, and in that way you summerise it all in a clear language at the end. Thank you!

[ThriftDiving]

You should really make more of these videos. It's so easy for my kids and me to understand. Great job! I'll be checking my subscription for the next one ;)

[EpicFailGirlie]

you've made my biology life so much easier :) thank you for explaining it so well!

[lastroseable]

Hi Jon Perry, You have done an excellent job by making and uploading this video to youtube....You got an excellent team....i really love your videos....Keep uploading more videos of this kind....

[boerbean]

Simple, concise, well constructed and amazing description of DNA-Outstanding- Biology teacher for 32 years

[tampaflorida]

OMG, i have to comment again and say thank you from the buttom of my heart, this is like a summary of many pages of the Biology book i read right now.

[pjoseac]

This is freaking awesome! respect from Ecuador my friend, you´re doing a GREAT JOB! keep it up!

[gordonledwidge]

you have a very special gift of teaching, your pace of delivery is excellent, you have clear speech, no annoying music, just excellent information for those of us who are serious students. cannot thank you enough for your videos. keep up the brilliant work.
love and light
karen

[ShannonL]

Where has this channel been all my life!<3

[jeanetteglover]

As a biology teacher, I thank you for your videos. They are very helpful for my students.