What is the genome made of?

Introduction

Genomes are composed of DNA, and a knowledge of the structure of DNA is essential to understand how it can function as hereditary material. DNA is remarkable, breathtakingly simple in its structure yet capable of directing all the living processes in a cell, the production of new cells and the development of a fertilized egg to an individual adult.

DNA has three key properties: it is relatively stable; its structure suggests an obvious way in which the molecule can be duplicated, or replicated; and it carries a store of vital information that is used in the cell to produce proteins. The first two properties of DNA are analysed in this unit.

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.