Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Cells, Microbes & Viruses => Topic started by: jack_ on 20/03/2019 13:52:21

Title: How is it possible for DNA to contain instructions for all diverse cells?
Post by: jack_ on 20/03/2019 13:52:21

Joe wants to know more about DNA:

How is it possible for four proteins to contain the instructions for a living organism given the diversity of cells (brain, placenta, eyes, producing gastric acid, timing of the release of hormones (how do “they” know it’s time for puberty), etc.

Do you have an answer that might help?

Title: Re: How is it possible for DNA to contain instructions for all diverse cells?
Post by: RD on 20/03/2019 20:22:07

Quote from: jack_ on 20/03/2019 13:52:21

How is it possible for four proteins to contain the instructions for a living organism given the diversity of cells ...

In a similar way that a binary-code only consisting of 1's & 0's can represent any computer-data:
 e.g. pictures, documents, sound-recordings, movies, software.

[ genetic code is triplet code (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetic_code) rather than binary, but the same principle applies  ]

Title: Re: How is it possible for DNA to contain instructions for all diverse cells?
Post by: syhprum on 20/03/2019 22:39:24

DNA does not of course contain any proteins just the instructions for making them