
Concept explainers
Describe the process of gene expression, by which a gene affects the

To review: Gene expression affects the phenotype of an organism.
Concept introduction:
DNA is known as the blueprint of life as it controls gene expression. The genetic information of DNA is based on the nucleotide base sequences. These sequences are transcribed into mRNA triplets and are called codons. These mRNA triplet nucleotides are translated into polypeptide chains which code for specific proteins and enzymes. This is known as gene expression.
Explanation of Solution
DNA consists of genetic instructions in the form of gene sequences. It directs messenger RNA (mRNA) synthesis in the cell. During the formation of mRNA in a process which is known as transcription, each letter in the gene sequence is copied which codes for a particular amino acid. The polypeptide chain is synthesized on the basis of amino acid sequences in the reading frame. This process is known as translation. Specific proteins also known as functional gene products control the phenotypic traits in an individual such as eye color, hair color etc. These traits may also be controlled by cumulative action of many proteins.
Functional gene products are formed as a result of gene expression. There may be variation in the expression of the genes. Some genes are dominant over others which influence the appearance of the trait. For example, parents with blue eyes can have a child with brown eyes. This is because brown eye color trait is dominant over blue eye color.
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