Difference Between DNA and Genes
The terms gene and DNA are often used to mean the same. However, in reality, they stand for very different things. So, next time you want to blame your baldness on your father and don’t know whether to berate your genes or your DNA, take a look at the differences below:
DNA stands for deoxyribonucleic acid. This is the chain of ‘links’ that determines how the different cells in your body will function. Each of these links is called a nucleotide. DNA basically contains two copies of 23 chromosomes each, one from the mother and one from the father of the person. Only some of these complex cells carry the ‘genetic information for your genes. These are the parts that decide what you basically inherit from your parents. This makes genes only a subset of the DNA.
Your genes define the fundamental traits you will inherit from your parents. They are parts of the DNA that determine how the cells are going to live and function. They are special colonies of nucleotides that decide how proteins are going to carry on the process of building and reproducing in your body. All living things depend on their genes to determine how they are going to develop in their lives and how they, in turn are going to pass on their genetic traits to their offspring.
For instance, if you thought about the human body as a book that contained only DNA, the genes would be the chapter containing instructions on how to make proteins and assist in cell production. The other chapters may contain other details like where the cells should start producing new proteins etc.
The DNA is like an instruction booklet that determines the traits you are likely to get. The entire DNA in a human body is packaged in the form of chromosomes. Each of these 
chromosomes has definite characters that will determine a particular trait. This includes such details like your hair color and the color of your eyes. Each of these chapters that contain the codes for a particular trait is known as a gene. So, if you are confused, just think about the gene as a small piece of the total DNA that holds information about a particular trait you have.
The study of genetics has gained widespread acclaim in recent times. However, it was only with the discovery of the DNA that a scientific basis for the genes we inherit was established.
Both DNA and genes are the most basic building blocks of your body. They determine how your cells are going to behave throughout your life. Now you know who to thank for those brains!
Summary:
1. Genes are a part of the DNA.
2. Genes determine the traits you will inherit from your parents, DNA determines a lot more.
3. Genes have been studied for a long time now. The study of DNA is a relatively recent development.
- Difference Between Aorta and Pulmonary Arteries - December 16, 2009
- Difference Between Penicillin and Cyclosporine - December 15, 2009
- Difference Between Cyclothymia and Bipolar Disorder - December 14, 2009
Search DifferenceBetween.net :
Email This Post
: If you like this article or our site. Please spread the word. Share it with your friends/family.
15 Comments
Trackbacks
- Difference Between Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes | Difference Between
- Difference Between DNA and RNA | Difference Between | DNA vs RNA
- Difference Between Fraternal and Identical Twins | Difference Between | Fraternal vs Identical Twins
- Difference Between Skin And Shell | Difference Between | Skin And Shell
- Different Between UVA and UVB | Difference Between | Different Between UVA vs UVB
- Difference Between Gene and Allele | Difference Between | Gene vs Allele
- Difference Between Gene and Allele | Difference Between | Gene vs Allele
Make sure that you don’t end up looking out of proportion. In the
right portions the foods you eat can actually stimulate your body to burn fat.
The amount of muscle lost during a vacation from weight training can be significant if the time
away from such workouts is excessive, so my recommended period of time to vacation from weight training workouts is seven days, and preferably, a vacation from weight training should never exceed two weeks, as the body begins to reduce the amount of muscle after a 1-2 week period
(dependent upon genetics). To add calories to
the diet you can replace water in sauces, hot cereals and soups with
full cream milk. We must remember that it
is very important to the correct path, you have to control weight and not sacrifice performance strictly by the fact
lift more weight.
Thanks for your help…….it’s great to get such differences clearly……..
Its very informatory
How come DNA is traceable back to forever, when genes are diluted 50/50 with every generation? You are 50% of your mother and father; but only 25% of your grandfather and 12,5% of your great grandfather
Here,it is said that DNA contains 2 copies of 23 chromosomes each…..but as far as I know chromosomes contain DNA
That Picture explained it all.
Honestly its very informative..we really appreciate this and such hope for the next.
Some people say that DNA and gene r not same
Why plz
One sentence for me