What is a gene?

My biology teacher once told me: "The nucleus of a cell is like your local library, it contains and houses all the books and information you will ever need. The DNA is like the reference section of the library, you are not allowed to remove any of the reference books from the building, as the librarians don't want these irreplaceable books lost or damaged. However you are allowed to "photocopy" the pages to use the information, as whats the point in having information you can not use. Once you have "photocopied" the information you need, you can then use this information for what ever purpose." The "photocopies of the reference book" represent the mRNA transcripted from the DNA. The mRNA then travels outside the nucleus to be translated by a ribosome to create the protein the mRNA encodes for. This is done by connecting amino acids together in chains. The protein created is then exported out the cell to be used for its function. This is a very simplified version of the entire transcription and translation process. I am happy to answer any questions I am capable of, and give a slightly more in depth overview if asked for. But what my biology teacher told me, helped me understand the overall process, and i think is a very clear and clever analogy. Great vid by the way.

I need to watch this for my online classes

What exactly is a Gene? --> A Gene is a special stretch of DNA not the entire strand of DNA just a segment that codes for something. -->Each Gene is like a unique recipe which usually tells the cells how to make protein or a group of proteins. -->Different creatures have different genes but all genes are written in the same basic DNA language of A's,C's,T's and G's.

You guys seriously need to make more of these! This information is incredible and its presented superbly! HATS OFF!

I appreciate the kind words

A complex thing explained simply in a 4 minute video LOVELY!!

You made an awesome video. I came here because I was talking to my 4yr old about genetic modification, he asked me 'what is a gene' and I didn't know how to answer it in a way that he would even begin to understand. He doesn't completely comprehend everything we just watched (he's 4 so, yeah) but he's already asking me if we can watch more stuff to explain other things. Subbed and grateful. Thank you so much. You never realize how hard it is to describe something until you have kids and you have to define everything, ever.

These videos are actually making sense to me, they're making learning fun because it's so easy to understand. I hope to see more videos soon!

This video is super helpful I watched a few other videos and it helped me pass my science test with 51/60! That’s the highest score I’ve ever got! So thank you soo much

As a teacher, I must say: this is excellent content. Your channel name is truly fitting! Thank you for your great work!!

One of the best explanations I've encountered. You guys are undoubtedly aware that the brain best recalls the first and last, and in that way you summerise it all in a clear language at the end. Thank you!

you have a very special gift of teaching, your pace of delivery is excellent, you have clear speech, no annoying music, just excellent information for those of us who are serious students. cannot thank you enough for your videos. keep up the brilliant work. love and light karen

Maaaan, I'm such a visual learner and this taught more then any teacher has in my life... Thank you for this.

you've made my biology life so much easier :) thank you for explaining it so well!

These videos are great! I use them in my Biology class to supplement my lessons. It is so great to find clear, concise, accurate descriptions with great visuals that my students can relate to! Please make more!

Just showed some Stated Clearly videos to my 6 year old grandchildren and they were fascinated! Well done on making those difficult subjects understandable for kids!

Where has this channel been all my life!<3

You should really make more of these videos. It's so easy for my kids and me to understand. Great job! I'll be checking my subscription for the next one ;)

You guys do a good job of doing exactly what your name says; stating clearly. Thank you for making everything so easily understandable.

OMG, i have to comment again and say thank you from the buttom of my heart, this is like a summary of many pages of the Biology book i read right now.