In the cell

Cells are the building blocks of every living thing, they are where DNA is stored and used. Discover more about the mechanics of how DNA works inside a cell, and find activities to explore genetic principles.

By clicking on the links below you can explore the amazing science going on inside your cells. There are pages that define key concepts like what is a genome; or explain important cellular processes like the stages of meiosis, and the different types of DNA mutation. You'll also find teaching activities like DNA sequence bracelets, that helps teach complimentary base pairing; and videos like a zoom in on DNA that dive into your body.

Here are some of our most popular pages:

Mitosis versus meiosis

Cells divide and reproduce in two ways, mitosis and meiosis. Mitosis results in two identical daughter cells, whereas meiosis results in four sex cells. Below we highlight the key differences and similarities between the two types of cell division.

In the Cell

From DNA to protein

This 3D animation shows how proteins are made in the cell from the information in the DNA code.

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Cell Snap

This activity allows you to explore the key features of a human cell. The aim of the activity is to match up different features of the cell to its function.

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All pages

What is a stem cell?

A stem cell has the unique ability to develop into other specialised cell types in the body.

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What happens in DNA replication?

DNA replication is the process by which DNA makes a copy of itself. This happens during cell division, making sure that each new cell receives the same genetic information as the parent cell.

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What is mitosis?

Mitosis is a process where a single cell divides into two identical daughter cells (cell division).

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What is meiosis?

Meiosis is a process where a single cell divides twice to produce four cells containing half the original amount of genetic information.

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Mitosis versus meiosis

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DNA molecule spiral structure with unique connection on abstract

Different types of mutations

Throughout life, our DNA can accumulate changes to its sequence, known as mutations. There are lots of different mutations that can occur in DNA.

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Picture of a 3d illustration of conceptual human cells

What is a cell?

All living things are made of cells. They are the basic building blocks of life. The human body is composed of trillions of cells, all with their own specialised function.

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What is DNA?

DNA is the long molecule that contains your unique genetic code. A bit like a recipe book, it holds the instructions your cells need to make all the proteins in your body.

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What is a gene?

Genes are small sections of DNA that code for a functional product, like a protein.

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What is a chromosome?

Chromosomes are tightly coiled bundles of DNA found in the nucleus of almost every cell in our body.

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Chromosome & Cell Nucleus with Telomere and Dna concept - 3d graphic

What is a genome?

A genome is an organism’s complete set of genetic instructions. Each genome contains all of the information needed to build that organism and allow it to grow and develop.

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What is RNA?

RNA is a nucleic acid similar to DNA, but with only a single, helical strand of bases. It plays a key role in turning DNA instructions into functional proteins.

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How is DNA turned into protein? The Central Dogma of Molecular Biology

The ‘Central Dogma of Molecular Biology’ is a model describing the way information stored in our DNA is converted into a functional product, such as a protein. It was first proposed in 1958 by Francis Crick, who co-discovered the structure of DNA.

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What is a mutation?

A mutation is a change that occurs in our DNA sequence. This can be caused by normal processes inside the cell or by environmental factors, such as UV light.

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Image showing 6 stages of embryo development of mice. Image showing developing stages from days 1-4.

What is inheritance?

Inheritance is the way that genetic information is passed from a parent to a child.

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Zoom in on DNA

This animation starts with a whole human and zooms in through the organs and tissues to the cells and finally the DNA. You can see how all these different levels of organisation fit together, and the relative scale of each level.

In the Cell

From DNA to protein

This 3D animation shows how proteins are made in the cell from the information in the DNA code.

In the Cell

DNA replication

This 3D animation shows you how DNA is copied in a cell. It shows how both strands of the DNA helix are unzipped and copied to produce two identical DNA molecules.

In the Cell

Decode DNA with the Codon Wheel

This interactive codon wheel helps learners explore how DNA codes for proteins. Decode DNA triplets one at a time and build a protein chain, just as cells do. Use full screen for the best experience.

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picture of lots of bright red shiny strawberries

Extracting DNA from fruit

This hands-on activity allows you to extract the DNA from fruit using household items.

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Genomics Lite: How do cells grow?

Genomics Lite is a series of public webinars, in this session we explore how cells grow both in the body and in the lab.

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Genomics Lite: How many cells do I have?

In this Genomics Lite we'll explore the cells required to build a human.

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Genomics Lite: What is gene expression?

Genomics Lite is a series of public webinars, in this session we explore gene expression.

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Genomics Lite: How does DNA mutate?

Genomics Lite is a series of public webinars, in this session we explored how DNA mutates.

In the Cell

Genomics Lite: Why are some genes dominant?

Genomics Lite is a series of public webinars, in this session we explored why some genes are dominant and why others are recessive.

In the Cell

Exploring DNA Like a Game of "Genetic Musical Chairs"

This article explores a process called chromoplexy, which involves the mixing up of DNA inside our cells and can affect how our body works.

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promotional graphic displaying genomics lite information

Genomics Lite: Exploring genome function

Our guest speaker for this session was Gareth Girling, a technical specialist at the Wellcome Sanger Institute, exploring what we know so far about the human genome.

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Graphic image of Genomics Lite and the speakers.

Genomics Lite: Genomic cartography - Generating a human cell atlas

Our guest speakers for our March Genomics Lite were Dr. Elena Winheim and Feri Torabi, Postdoctoral Researcher and a Advanced Research Assistant respectively, at the Wellcome Sanger Institute, exploring how they are working towards generating a map of all the cells in the human body.

In the Cell

Poster displaying Genomics Lite and the guest speakers.

Genomics Lite: Genomic cartography - Navigating with a human cell atlas

Our guest speakers for our April Genomics Lite were Dr. Laure Gambardella and Dr. Chloe Admane, Senior Staff Scientist and Visiting Scientist respectively, at the Wellcome Sanger Institute, exploring the world of stem cells.

In the Cell

Genomics Lite: What is a gene?

Our guest speaker for this Genomics Lite is Zachary Ardern a Research Fellow at the Wellcome Sanger Institute, exploring what we still don't know about genes.

In the Cell

Cell Snap

This activity allows you to explore the key features of a human cell. The aim of the activity is to match up different features of the cell to its function.

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Investigate!

What makes us similar and what makes us different? Carry out your own genetic variation investigation using a selection of household items.

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Origami DNA

This hands-on activity allows you to create your own paper model of a DNA double helix.

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Sequencing Bracelets

In this activity, learners make a bracelet of DNA sequence from organisms including a human, chimpanzee, butterfly, carnivorous plant or flesh-eating bacteria.

In the Cell