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Jan 31, 2024 · Key Differences. Genes are units of heredity made up of DNA, residing in chromosomes, and responsible for guiding the formation of proteins or RNA. Traits, on the other hand, are the physical, behavioral, or physiological attributes that result from the expression of genes. 6.
Dec 20, 2023 · Genes are segments of DNA that contain instructions for building proteins, while traits are the physical or biochemical characteristics that result from the interaction between genes and the environment. Discover the difference between genes and traits and understand how they interact to shape who we are.
Jul 10, 2023 · Traits are the observable or measurable expressions of genes. Genes are the hereditary units that determine traits. Traits can be influenced by multiple genes as well as environmental factors. Genes are the fundamental units of heredity and are passed down from parents to offspring. Traits can vary within a population and can be influenced by ...
- Overview
- What is a chromosome?
- What is a gene?
- Genes vs. chromosomes
- Gene vs. chromosome variations
- DNA and RNA
- Other terminology
- Summary
Chromosomes are thread-like structures comprising DNA that are present inside the nucleus of every cell in the body. Specific segments of DNA are called genes.
Every chromosome contains many genes, with each having a different function. For example, some instruct cells on how to make certain proteins. Overall, the function of chromosomes and genes is to tell cells how to replicate, informing how the body grows and develops.
In this article, we will look at the differences between genes versus chromosomes, what each one does, and how they affect health.
A note about sex and gender
Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.
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Nearly every cell in the body contains a nucleus. Inside each nucleus are chromosomes, which consist of DNA, the genetic material that instructs cells how to divide and grow.
Chromosomes have a cross or butterfly-like shape, with four arms — most human cells contain 23 pairs of them. One set comes from each of a person’s biological parents.
One of these 23 pairs is a set of sex chromosomes, which influences someone’s biological sex. If a person inherits two copies of the X sex chromosome, they will likely have female characteristics. If they inherit one copy of the X chromosome and one of the Y chromosome, they will likely have male characteristics.
The other 22 pairs of chromosomes in each cell are responsible for other characteristics. The scientific name for these is autosomes.
Genes are specific segments of DNA coiled around a chromosome. It is necessary to understand what DNA is in more detail to understand them.
DNA consists of four chemicals, or “bases.” They are:
•adenine (A)
•guanine (G)
•cytosine (C)
•thymine (T)
The table below summarizes some of the key differences between genes and chromosomes.
Both genes and chromosomes can have variations that influence health. Some variations directly cause health conditions, while others may only raise or lower the risk of a condition.
Chromosomal variations involve larger-scale changes than genetic variations and may involve:
•differences in the number of chromosomes inside cells
•changes in the structure or function of a specific chromosome or autosome
•the rearrangement, duplication, or deletion of segments of whole genes in a chromosome
In contrast, genetic changes are smaller in scale. Some variations in genes do not affect a person’s health, while others do. The different types of gene variation include:
RNA is similar to DNA in that it also carries genetic information. However, there are several differences in their function, structure, and how they operate.
DNA is responsible for the long-term storage of genetic information in the nuclei of cells. The job of RNA is to transfer that information out of the nucleus and into ribosomes, another part of the cell.
Ribosomes can then use this information to make proteins. So, where DNA acts as storage for a person’s genetic code, RNA acts as a messenger, allowing cells to use it.
Additionally, while DNA replicates itself, RNA cannot. Instead, the body makes it out of DNA as often as necessary. They also have different shapes: DNA forms a double helix, while RNA is a single helix.
Below are the definitions of other technical terms relating to genes and chromosomes:
•Genome: This refers collectively to all of the genes a species has. For example, the human genome includes all the genes humans typically possess.
•Genotype: This is the unique collection of genetic material belonging to an organism.
•Phenotype: This describes observable genetic traits, such as eye color and blood type.
•Genomics: Genomics is the study of a whole genome, or part of a genome, including how different genes interact with each other.
•Epigenetics: This is the study of how environment and behavior affect how genes work.
Genes and chromosomes are both different types of genetic material. Chromosomes are thread-like structures that sit in the nucleus of cells and consist of chains of tightly coiled DNA. Genes are segments of DNA strands.
Most cells in the human body contain 23 pairs of chromosomes, which includes 22 pairs of autosomes and one pair of sex chromosomes. The latter influence biological sex.
- Amy Murnan
Aug 22, 2024 · Together, the DNA, genes, and chromosomes make up the complete set of genetic instructions for every individual—referred to as a genome. These instructions include a person's sex, features, and risk of medical conditions. The Human Genome Project, founded in 1990, mapped the entire human genome to understand how genes and chromosomes ...
You inherit your genes from your parents. You receive one copy of a gene from each parent (one from the egg and one from the sperm). Once you receive a pair, your genes divide and copy themselves until your body has enough genes to fill your instruction manual. There are approximately 20,000 to 25,000 genes in your body.
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Jul 31, 2022 · The observable traits expressed by an organism are referred to as its phenotype. An organism’s underlying genetic makeup, consisting of both physically visible and non-expressed alleles, is called its genotype. Mendel’s hybridization experiments demonstrate the difference between phenotype and genotype.
