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MAIN
GLOSSARY
DNA
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is a molecule that makes up chromosomes. It is composed of four units (called bases) that are designated A, T, G, and C. The sequence of the bases spell out instructions for making all of the proteins in an organism. The instruction set for each individual protein is a gene. A change in one of the DNA letters making up a gene is a mutation. In some cases, these mutations can alter the protein instructions and lead to disease. Each individual passes their chromosomes on to their children, and therefore pass down the DNA instructions. It is these instructions that cause certain traits, such as eye or hair color, to be inherited.
Base pair, Cell, Chromosome, Hereditary, Mutation
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