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What do genes do?
This unit explores how information contained in DNA is used, explaining the...
This unit explores how information contained in DNA is used, explaining the flow of information from DNA to RNA to protein. Also introduced are the concepts of transcription (as occurs between DNA and RNA) and translation.
After studying this unit you should understand:
- how the linear sequence of DNA within a gene is related to the linear sequence of amino acids of a protein
- how the information in DNA is carried via RNA to make a protein
- how RNA is synthesised from DNA by the process of transcription
- where the processes of transcription and translation occur within the cell
- Duration: 4 hours
- Published on: Monday 18th July 2011
- Level: Introductory
- Posted under: Biology
What do genes do?
Introduction

This unit explores how information contained in DNA is used, explaining the flow of information from DNA to RNA to protein. Also introduced are the concepts of transcription (as occurs between DNA and RNA) and translation.
This unit is an adapted extract from the Open University course Learn about human genetics and health issues which you can study just for interest [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)] , or study for credit.
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- Creative-Commons: The Open University is proud to release this free course under a Creative Commons licence. However, any third-party materials featured within it are used with permission and are not ours to give away. These materials are not subject to the Creative Commons licence. See terms and conditions. Full details can be found in the Acknowledgements section.
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