Difference Between DNA and Genes

In genetics, DNA and genes are often used interchangeably, but they are significantly different. To enhance your knowledge as a genetics expert, it makes sense to learn to distinguish between both terms. We’ve compiled a guide to show you the difference between DNA and genes.

What is DNA?

DNA, also known as deoxyribonucleic acid, is a biomolecule discovered in 1869 by Johannes Freidrich Miescher, a Swiss biologist. Miescher found that this molecule had twisted strands filled with complementary genetic information. These strands form a nucleotide ladder twisted at both ends, with DNA nucleotides comprising phosphate groups, sugar, and nitrogen bases.

Simply put, these nucleotide strands are the genetic material that copies information about replication, hereditary traits, and mutation. It also contains information about the equal distribution of DNA during cell division. DNA is present in every human cell and is the primary transmitter of your genetic code.

What are Genes?

Genes are the unit building blocks of the human body and are made of DNA. They are an exciting subdivision of DNA transmitted from parent to offspring. The body is filled with packets of human genes, also known as chromosomes. However, there are 23 pairs of 46 chromosomes in every human being.

During fertilization, the fetus will receive one pair of chromosomes from the mother and another pair from the father. These chromosomes control the functioning of DNA and RNA. A full-grown adult has over thirty thousand genes in every human cell.

Similarities Between DNA and Genes

We’ve broken down the meaning and significance of DNA and genes. It’s clear that both terms are crucial aspects of human biology, but what are their similarities? They include:

• Both are important  in the efficient transmission of different traits from parents to offspring.
• Both are crucial to the organism’s biological characteristics and development.
• Both are crucial in fields such as agriculture, medicine, and forensics.

What is the Difference Between DNA and Genes?

It’s important to avoid using DNA and genes interchangeably. If you study both concepts closely, you’ll notice distinct differences between both in terms of:

• Purpose: DNA is a chemical that stores the genetic information of organisms and is designed for gene regulation. On the other hand, genes are DNA stretches encoded for specific proteins, copying unique traits, and supporting seamless inheritance.
• Structure: DNA exists as long strands of nucleotides, forming a double-helix structure. Human gene structure comprises regulatory and coding sequences, with the coding sequence consisting of introns, untranslated regions, and exons, and the regulatory sequence including the promoter region.
• Location: Most of human DNA is found in the cell nucleus, with trace amounts in the mitochondria. Genes are found in a part of the cell nucleus called chromosomes, with 23 pairs in the human cell.
• Components: DNA comprises nucleotide sequences combined with sugar-phosphate bonds, while genes are mostly made up of DNA with few RNA.

DNA vs. Genes Comparison Table

Summary

When you review the details about DNA and genes, their differences are apparent. While genes are comprised of DNA and(or) RNA, they serve different functions. Each individual DNA is responsible for gene regulation, while genes transmit traits between generations. 

FAQs

Is genes and DNA the same thing?

DNA and genes are use interchangeably but they aren’t the same thing. 

Is genes a part of DNA?

Genes are made up of DNA and RNA. 

What is the difference between DNA and genes and proteins?

A small portion of a DNA is called a gene. Certain genes are responsible for the production of a particular protein in the body. This protein will serve different traits. 

Why is DNA called a gene?

The complete set of human DNA is called a genome. 

Which is bigger gene or DNA?

A gene is bigger than DNA. Genes are short DNA stretches while DNA is a polynucleotide. 

How much of DNA is genes?

There are 25,000 genres in a complete DNA set.

Do genes make up 100% of DNA?

Genes are only 1-2% of human DNA. The remaining 98-99% is called non-coding DNA. 

Is DNA 100% Correct?

DNA replicates itself using masses of bases and are exactly 99% identical in every person. 

How much DNA does everyone have?

This human DNA comprises 3.2 billion chemical base pairs equaling a total of 25,000 genes. 

What is DNA explained simply?

DNA can simply be defined as a polynucleotide molecule containing genetic data. 

Do all humans have the same DNA?

Humans have 99% identical DNA. Our unique features come from a 1% variation. 

Does all life have DNA?

There’s DNA in all living things. You’ll find a complete DNA set in every cell of a multicellular organism. 

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