Function of Genetic Material | Agriculture Optional Notes for UPSC PDF Download

Function of Genetic Material

• Genetic Information in Genes: Genes, which are composed of small sections of DNA with about two million base pairs, carry genetic information. Each gene encodes the instructions for creating a polypeptide molecule, which consists of sequences of three nitrogenous bases representing individual amino acids.
• Protein Formation: Polypeptide chains are further organized into secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structures to produce various proteins. Since different organisms possess a multitude of genes, they can produce diverse proteins.
• DNA's Primary Role: The primary function of DNA, aside from preserving genetic information, is to convey this information across generations, encoded in the arrangement of nitrogenous bases within nucleotides.
  • Cellular Metabolism Regulation: DNA plays a crucial role in regulating the metabolic processes within cells. This regulation involves the use of enzymes, hormones, and specific types of RNA (ribonucleic acid) responsible for gene regulation and expression.
  • Transcription: The process of transcription involves the production of RNA molecules from DNA templates.
  • DNA Replication: Genetic information is transmitted from one cell to its daughter cells and from one generation to the next through DNA replication, which generates identical copies of the DNA.
  • Developmental Control: DNA molecules control the development of organisms through an internal genetic program or "genetic clock."
  • DNA Fingerprinting: Each individual has a unique DNA sequence, which is utilized in DNA fingerprinting to identify individuals based on their DNA.
  • Mutations: Mutations are alterations in DNA sequences. They can occur due to errors during DNA replication, exposure to ultraviolet radiation, or the insertion or deletion of DNA segments, among other factors.
  • Gene Therapy: Gene therapy involves the modification of an individual's genes to treat diseases. This can be achieved through various methods, including replacing a disease-causing gene with a healthy one, deactivating a malfunctioning disease-causing gene, or introducing a modified or new gene to address specific medical conditions.