DNA and RNA

Definition

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) and RNA (Ribonucleic Acid) are nucleic acids that carry genetic information in cells. DNA provides instructions for growth, development, functioning, and reproduction while RNA translates those instructions into proteins.

Related terms

Genes:

Segments of DNA that contain instructions for making proteins. They're like individual recipes in your recipe book.

Transcription:

The process where information in a strand of DNA is copied into new molecule of messenger RNA(mRNA). It's similar to copying down your favorite recipe onto another piece of paper so you can use it without ruining your original cookbook.

Translation:

The process where mRNA produced by transcription is decoded by ribosome to produce specific protein. It's like the chef reading the copied recipe and cooking up a dish.