How DNA influences inherited traits
This video introduces the basics of DNA, the chemical that underlies life on Earth.
Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.
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Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.Each species has a unique set of chromosomes which are the carriers of genetic information.
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Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.Gene therapy seeks to repair genetic mutations through the introduction of healthy, working genes.
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© American Chemical Society (A Britannica Publishing Partner)CRISPR and genetically modified humans.
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Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.The animated structure of a DNA molecule. Deoxyribose sugar molecules and phosphate molecules form the outer edges of the DNA double helix, and base pairs bind the two strands to one another.
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Transcript
NARRATOR: Deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA, carries the genetic information responsible for inherited traits in virtually all organisms. It determines the colors of a flower's petals, the length of a dog's coat, and the effects of a virus on its host. DNA also explains why members of the same family may have similar facial features or body structures.
In 1953 James Watson and Francis Crick discerned the double-helix structure of DNA. The double helix consists of two DNA strands wound around each other in an arrangement that looks like a spiraling staircase or twisting ladder. The four organic bases of DNA form the steps, linked in pairs.
This model shows that a DNA molecule duplicates by separating its complementary strands and using them as templates to form new DNA molecules.
Watson and Crick's discovery has helped researchers to understand human life more closely. The complete sequence of human DNA has been determined. Cloning of organisms has yielded success. Crops can be genetically modified to provide higher nutritional value. Gene therapy seeks to repair hereditary defects. Even law enforcement uses DNA, to identify victims or criminals by their unique genetic code.
In 1953 James Watson and Francis Crick discerned the double-helix structure of DNA. The double helix consists of two DNA strands wound around each other in an arrangement that looks like a spiraling staircase or twisting ladder. The four organic bases of DNA form the steps, linked in pairs.
This model shows that a DNA molecule duplicates by separating its complementary strands and using them as templates to form new DNA molecules.
Watson and Crick's discovery has helped researchers to understand human life more closely. The complete sequence of human DNA has been determined. Cloning of organisms has yielded success. Crops can be genetically modified to provide higher nutritional value. Gene therapy seeks to repair hereditary defects. Even law enforcement uses DNA, to identify victims or criminals by their unique genetic code.
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