Gene and DNA

DNA exists in a stable structure called double-helix, is organized into chromosomes, and is the genetic blueprint of almost every organism. On the other hand, genes are a small part of the DNA and are the hereditary molecules transferring traits to the progeny. Genes are basically composed of both DNA and RNA. When it comes to the main difference between genes and DNA, on the one hand, DNA is a chemical structure storing the genetic instructions for an organism. On the other hand, genes are small DNA stretches determining the particular trait of an organism. 

What is a Gene?

A gene is a region of a sequence of specific nucleotides on the DNA or RNA strands. The gene encodes an amino acid sequence of a particular protein. One can discover thousands of genes within a single DNA in higher organisms. Now that the genetic instructions transfer into the progeny via reproduction through the genes, the same is recognized as the molecular unit of heredity. The sequence of a gene is transcribed into mRNA, which is transcribed into proteins determining the trait of an organism. This entire process is referred to as the central dogma of molecular biology.

It is discovered that almost every gene found in the body of an organism is made up of DNA, but some genes may share RNA. 

It is based on the legacy of the phenotypic trait of an organism that the transmission of genes is done. These genes contribute a lot to developing the different sequences of DNA. This sequence is also referred to as genotype. 

It is on the environmental and developmental factors based on which it is determined by the genotypes that which phenotypes will take place. Most of the biological characteristics are under the control of polygenes and interactions between genes and the environment. The polygenes are nothing but the collection of many different genes. 

What is DNA?

Deoxyribonucleic acid, popularly known as DNA, is the genetic material of almost every organism. It is a molecule consisting of a double helix that further carries the genetic instructions necessary for the functions, growth, development, and reproduction of organisms and viruses. 

DNA is composed of two polynucleotides and is located in the nucleus and nucleoid. Each nucleotide is composed of one of the four nitrogen-containing nucleobases that include cytosine, thymine, guanine, or adenine. This particular collection also includes a sugar referred to as deoxyribose and a phosphate group. 

It is the chain by covalent bonds in which the nucleotides are linked to each other. And this particular bond is called phosphodiester linkage. The link is between the phosphate of one nucleotide and sugar of the other nucleotide, resulting in an alternating sugar-phosphate backbone. 

The nitrogenous bases of two different polynucleotide strands and the hydrogen bonds are bound together to form a double-stranded Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA). Pyrimidines and purines are the two groups into which the complementary nitrogenous bases are further separated. In DNA, the pyrimidines include thymine and cytosine, while adenine and guanine are present in the purines.

Both strands of double-stranded DNA act as the storage unit storing similar biological information. It is during the separation of the two strands, that the biological information is reproduced. DNA consists of approximately more than 98 percent of humans. 

Gene and DNA: Difference

Here mentioned is the difference between gene and DNA in the tabular form:

Conclusion

DNA, on one hand, is the building block of genes containing the genetic instructions for an organism. On the other hand, Genes are a small part of DNA, the main function of which is making particular proteins that further contribute a lot to the structure and functions of the body. To know more about the difference between these two, go through the article.