The Genetic Cycle

The Steps DNA Takes to do its Job

As you know, DNA's primary job is to make proteins that help keep your body running smoothly and efficiently (of course, along the way, it also defines many other aspects of you). However, just because it has the recipes doesn't mean that the protein is created.

In a recipe, you read the recipe and then get an ingredient. When you have all the ingredients, you bake or stir them together until you have your final product. DNA is very much the same. First, it goes through a process called transcription. This is where the DNA recipe is picked up, and the "tools" (not the ingredients) are assembled. After, this, it goes through a process called translation, where it "reads" the recipe, gets the ingredients, and everntually makes a protein.

DNA also must replicate itself as cells in your body split, so that every cell has a complete set of DNA. DNA employs a fascinating process to do this called replication.

Though you won't be learning about these three processes in Genetics I, the knowledge you have gained here will help you better understand the subjects covered in Genetics II. Remember, if at any time you feel lost in Genetics II, you can always zip back here to Genetics I and refresh yourself. But for right now, as long as you have read the material covered here, you are ready for Genetics II. Enjoy as you travel through replication, transcription, translation, and a host of intriguing, new information that further explores the wonders of the Double Helix.

Introduction
Cells to Chromosomes
DNA
RNA
Genetic Cycle