RNA is working intermediate copy of a gene (which is made of DNA), and most RNA molecules act as information messengers from which the final protein products are created. Just like DNA, RNA is also vital for all living beings.
Glossary
Definition: Epigenome
The epigenome of a cell consists of all of the chemical changes that affect gene expression.
Definition: Gene Expression
Gene expression is the “work output” of a gene – the process takes the information from a gene and produces an intermediate molecule called RNA, which then is used to create a final functional product called proteins which build and maintain our bodies. Any changes to our gene expression subsequently affects the development and functioning of our bodies, therefore optimal regulation of our gene expression is critical to our overall health and wellness.
Definition: Gene
A gene is a working segment of DNA, and it is a basic physical and functional unit for a genetic instruction of life. Each gene acts as an instruction to make molecules called proteins. It is our genes which determine if we will be born with red hair, or bright blue eyes for example.
Definition: DNA
Deoxyribonucleic acid (or DNA) is a molecule located in our cells which carries the genetic instructions of life, such as growth, development, functioning and reproduction. The information for the genetic instructions of life comes from the stored code within DNA – the sequence of the code determines the genetic instruction used for building and maintaining our bodies. Think of it as being like how the letters of the alphabet appear in a certain order to then create words and sentences. Almost every cell in our bodies contains the same identical DNA, and these genetic instructions are passed on through the generations – we inherit half of our DNA from our mother and half from our father. All known living organisms from plants to bacteria have DNA, and also many viruses.