In the Cell

Our cells each contain a copy of our genome – the instructions for making us. Here you can discover the basics of genetics, from DNA and genes to how we inherit characteristics from our parents.

In the Cell

facts 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.
videos What does DNA do? This animation explains what DNA does in our bodies and how it makes us the unique individuals we are.
activities Genomics and Genes Pack What is genomics? Explore this world-changing area of research and how the DNA code found in all living things impacts on our world.
activities DNA Discovery Pack What is DNA and what does it do? Discover more about this marvellous molecule and how it has an impact on the world around us.
facts What is a stem cell? A stem cell is a cell with the unique ability to develop into specialised cell types in the body. In the future they may be used to replace cells and tissues that have been damaged or lost due to disease.
videos 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.
activities Function Finders Discover how DNA sequences code for proteins with different roles and functions.
videos From DNA to protein This 3D animation shows how proteins are made in the cell from the information in the DNA code.
stories Unravelling the double helix The discovery of the structure of DNA by James Watson and Francis Crick in 1953 is one of the most famous scientific discoveries of all time.
stories Revealing DNA as the molecule of life How was DNA discovered to be the carrier of genetic information? Read on to find out...
stories The discovery of DNA How was DNA first discovered and who discovered it? Read on to find out...
facts 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. These cells are our sex cells – sperm in males, eggs in females.
facts 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 keys differences and similarities between the two types of cell division.
facts What is mitosis? Mitosis is a process where a single cell divides into two identical daughter cells (cell division).
facts What is inheritance? Inheritance is the process by which genetic information is passed on from parent to child. This is why members of the same family tend to have similar characteristics.
facts What is a telomere? Telomeres are distinctive structures found at the ends of our chromosomes. They consist of the same short DNA sequence repeated over and over again.
videos Role of Cancer Genes This flash animation shows you how DNA mutations are involved in the development of cancer.
facts What types of mutation are there? There are lots of different mutations that can occur in our DNA.
facts What is a mutation? A mutation is a change that occurs in our DNA sequence, either due to mistakes when the DNA is copied or as the result of environmental factors such as UV light and cigarette smoke.
facts What is gene expression? Gene expression is the process by which the instructions in our DNA are converted into a functional product, such as a protein.
facts What is genetic variation? Genetic variation is a term used to describe the variation in the DNA sequence in each of our genomes. Genetic variation is what makes us all unique, whether in terms of hair colour, skin colour or even the shape of our faces.
facts What is a gene? Genes are small sections of DNA within the genome that code for proteins. They contain the instructions for our individual characteristics – like eye and hair colour.
facts What is a chromosome? Chromosomes are bundles of tightly coiled DNA located within the nucleus of almost every cell in our body. Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes.
facts What is DNA replication? DNA replication is the process by which DNA makes a copy of itself during cell division.
facts What is the 'Central Dogma'? The ‘Central Dogma’ is the process by which the instructions in DNA are converted into a functional product. It was first proposed in 1958 by Francis Crick, discoverer of the structure of DNA.
facts What is a cell? Cells are the basic building blocks of living things. The human body is composed of trillions of cells, all with their own specialised function.
facts 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.
facts What are dominant and recessive alleles? Different versions of a gene are called alleles.  Alleles are described as either dominant or recessive depending on their associated traits.
interactives Cell Snap This computer game allows you to explore the key features of a human cell. The aim of the game is to match pairs of components from within a human cell.
activities Sequence Bracelets In this activity you can make a bracelet of DNA sequence from organisms including a human, chimpanzee, butterfly, carnivorous plant or flesh-eating bacteria.
videos Zoom in on your genome This animation shows where and how the human genome is stored within our cells.
activities Yummy Gummy DNA Make your own edible DNA double helix out of sweets!
facts What does DNA do? The DNA code contains instructions needed to make the proteins and molecules essential for our growth, development and health.
facts What is DNA? DNA or deoxyribonucleic acid is a long molecule that contains our unique genetic code. Like a recipe book it holds the instructions for making all the proteins in our bodies.
activities Origami DNA This hands-on activity allows you to create your own paper model of a DNA double helix.

How helpful was this page?

👎 👍 Send

What's the main reason for your rating?

Send

Which of these best describes your occupation?

Send

how old are students / how old are you?

Send

What is the first part of your school's postcode?

Send

How has the site influenced you (or others)?

Send

Thankyou, we value your feedback!

If you have any other comments or suggestions, please let us know at comment@yourgenome.org

Feedback

Can you spare 5-8 minutes to tell us what you think of this website? Open survey