Genes

WHAT IS A GENE?

A gene is a segment of the DNA (short for deoxyribonucleic acid) molecule that contains the instructions for how, when and where your body makes each of the many thousands of proteins required for life. Each gene is comprised of multiple combinations of four letters that make up your genetic code: A, T, C, and G. Each gene combines these “letters” in various ways, spelling out the “words” that specify which amino acid is needed at every step in the process of making the proteins required for your body to develop and function.