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Genes Zone
A section of DNA | Image: Richard Wheeler
A gene is a set of instructions for making a particular protein. The instructions are written in DNA, which is a very, very, long molecule. All living things depend on genes, and all of the DNA in one of your cells has the instructions for making a person. Each cell in the human body contains about 25,000 to 35,000 genes. They carry the information that determines the features or characteristics that are passed on to you — or inherited — from your parents.
In the Genes Zone there is one scientist experimenting on an immune cell which can be used to treat multiple sclerosis, one exploring the possible impact of new technologies such as gene-editing, and another researching new ways to treat breast cancer. Another scientist studies natural antibiotics produced by animals, another looks at how our DNA can change the way our brains work and another finds DNA fingerprints using animal poo!