DNA Sequence

Definition

A DNA sequence is the order of nucleotides within a DNA molecule. It represents cellular instructions—the blueprint—for producing proteins and for other cellular activities.

Analogy

Consider your DNA sequence as a recipe book where each recipe (gene) requires specific ingredients (nucleotides) arranged in particular orders to make delicious dishes (proteins).

Related terms

Nucleotide: Nucleotides are organic molecules that serve as subunits (monomers) forming nucleic acids like DNA and RNA. They're essentially your 'ingredients' for your recipes.

Gene Expression: This is when information from a gene is used to create functional products like proteins – akin to following your recipe step by step until you get your final dish.

Genome: The genome includes all genetic material present in an organism’s chromosomes – it's the entire collection of 'recipes' in your recipe book.