* Genes are made of DNA, a molecule composed of four bases: adenine (A), thymine (T), guanine (G), and cytosine (C).
* Genes contain the instructions for building proteins. Proteins are essential for virtually every function in the body.
* The order of bases in a gene is read in groups of three, called codons. Each codon corresponds to a specific amino acid.
* During protein synthesis, a copy of the gene (mRNA) is made. This copy is then read by ribosomes, which use the codons to assemble the correct sequence of amino acids.
* The amino acid sequence determines the protein's shape and function.
Think of it like a recipe:
* The gene is the recipe.
* The bases are the ingredients.
* The order of bases is the order of ingredients.
* The protein is the final dish.
Changes in the order of bases (mutations) can alter the amino acid sequence, potentially affecting the protein's function. Some mutations are harmless, while others can lead to disease.
