Gene And DNA: The Evolution Of DNA And Genes

Many people have wondered what it is exactly that makes us...human. What is it that separates us from one another that makes us unique? DNA and Genes is what makes every person up. Everyone is different because of it. Humans are different from each other by their skin color, their facial features, and it’s all due to Deoxyribonucleic Acid. DNA or Deoxyribonucleic Acid is a molecule that contains the genetic instructions that are used in the functioning, the development, and the reproduction that is a necessity to humans and other living organisms.

Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) was first discovered in the year the year 1869 by Swiss physiological chemist, Friedrich Miescher. Back then they didn’t have the technology that we have today, so it

Each of the nucleotides accommodate a phosphate group, sugar group, and a nitrogen base. There is four nitrogen bases in DNA. The four nitrogen bases are; Adenine (A), Thymine (T), Guanine (G), and Cytosine (C). Each of the bases are connected to a sugar molecule and a phosphate molecule. They are then positioned into two long strands that form a spiral called a double helix (DNA). The nitrogen bases are paired up with one another. Adenine and Thymine will always be paired with each other because of the bonds between them. Between A and T, there are two hydrogen bonds. The same goes with Guanine always being paired with Cytosine due. Between both G and C there is three hydrogen bonds. The nitrogen bases Adenine and Guanine won’t pair up with each other because, of their size. Both the nitrogen bases Adenine and Guanine are a purine base. Thymine and Cytosine are both a pyrimidine base. Adenine pairs with Thymine, and Guanine pairs with Cytosine, because they are of opposite

Genes more specifically, are passed down from the parents down to the child. A child is a combination of both its parents. The child receives half of his mother’s genes and half of his father’s genes. Genes act like instructions, giving you certain features. According to the Human Genome Project, it is estimated that humans have 20,000 to 25,000 genes.

There is also genetic mutations which is a conversion in DNA. Mutations can affect chromosomes, which have multiple genes. Gene mutations are known to cause more medical conditions. Genetic mutations are able to mess with the normal development of a child. There is truly no way to prevent genetic mutations, because they are passed from the parent down to the child. Mutations aren’t always passed down to a child. They can sometimes skip a generation or more, it all just depends.

Along with genetic mutations, there is also genetic diseases. Genetic diseases are an abnormality in the DNA. One of the most known and common genetic disease is “Chromosome 21” or formally known as Down syndrome. It is where a child is born with three sets of the Chromosome 21 instead of being born with only two. How it happens is when a part of a chromosome 21 becomes attached to another one during the stage of reproduction. You are able to tell if a person has Down syndrome or not. Most of the physical features are obvious. By looking at a person’s face you are able to tell, because