What is a gene?

Support Stated Clearly on Patreon: / statedclearly
You've probably heard about GMOs or Genetically Modified Organisms but what exactly is a gene and what does it mean to modify the genes of a plant or animal?
We hear about DNA and genes all the time in the news and in our biology classes but very few of us can actually explain what a gene is? This short film is designed to help.
Here we discuss a basic definition of a gene, show what a gene looks like, what it is that genes actually code for, and the basic idea behind Genetically Modified Organisms.
The video also briefly mentions one of the ways DNA strongly suggests that all living things are related and share an evolutionary history.
Even though the content given here is just a simplified overview of genetics, after watching this video (along with our first video on DNA • What is DNA and How Do... ) you should be able to easily follow any news article, basic conversation, or 100 level college course lecture on genetics, even if you've never taken a biology course or studied genetics in the past.
Special thanks to Hip Hop Artist Anthony Danzl for the music kzbin.info...
Rest in peace, Packy the freckled Elephant from the Portland Zoo (featured in this video). He was a wonderful soul who brought joy to many. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Packy_(...)
Rest in peace, Wanto the western lowland gorilla (featured in this video). Though he had his angry moments, he was well loved and will be deeply missed by all who knew him. www.wvlt.tv/2021/04/23/zoo-kn...
Content for this video has been modified from two text books:
Molecular Biology of the Cell, third edition:
Bruce Alberts, Dennis Bray, Julian Lewis, Martin Raff, Keith Roberts, James D. Watson
Biology Eighth Edition:
Neil Campbell, Jane Reece, Lisa Urry, Michael Cain, Steven Wasserman, Peter Minorsky, Robert Jackson
Chimps and humans share 96% of their DNA comes from National Geographic: news.nationalgeographic.com/ne...
Fruit flies share about 50% their genes with humans comes from NASA and NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information)
science.nasa.gov/science-news/...
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/artic...
Hope you liked the video, more are in the works. Stay Curious!
Portuguese captions by Marcos André
#genetics #biology #evolution

[@jaydogg3491]

My biology teacher once told me: "The nucleus of a cell is like your local library, it contains and houses all the books and information you will ever need. The DNA is like the reference section of the library, you are not allowed to remove any of the reference books from the building, as the librarians don't want these irreplaceable books lost or damaged. However you are allowed to "photocopy" the pages to use the information, as whats the point in having information you can not use. Once you have "photocopied" the information you need, you can then use this information for what ever purpose." The "photocopies of the reference book" represent the mRNA transcripted from the DNA. The mRNA then travels outside the nucleus to be translated by a ribosome to create the protein the mRNA encodes for. This is done by connecting amino acids together in chains. The protein created is then exported out the cell to be used for its function. This is a very simplified version of the entire transcription and translation process. I am happy to answer any questions I am capable of, and give a slightly more in depth overview if asked for. But what my biology teacher told me, helped me understand the overall process, and i think is a very clear and clever analogy. Great vid by the way.

[@apexpredators2753]

Jay dogg who would read this long comment

[@fatimaattia9059]

Jay dogg This is Amazing Thank you for sharing it

[@pokerface1036]

Hi, thank you for sharing such relevant information, I just have a question but I may be a little too late to ask since your comment is 4 years old, but is there any difference between RNA and genes? Are they the same, and if not what's their main difference

[@manh385]

Is life is came from a DNA through RNA

[@nSackStyles]

Can I have your email mate? I've started studying Biology very recently and get plenty of doubts. I'd love to contact you and ask some questions.

[@tobothehobo933]

I need to watch this for my online classes

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ToboTheHobo same lol

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[@arep4W]

SAME! lol

[@Unknown.141]

sameee

[@guillermojunguito4891]

jajajaja same

[@Sanjay-vu3vb]

What exactly is a Gene? --> A Gene is a special stretch of DNA not the entire strand of DNA just a segment that codes for something. -->Each Gene is like a unique recipe which usually tells the cells how to make protein or a group of proteins. -->Different creatures have different genes but all genes are written in the same basic DNA language of A's,C's,T's and G's.

[@manh385]

Tanks dear

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Thanks Dog

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I appreciate the kind words

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Your welcome

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8 years ago?? 😮😮

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A complex thing explained simply in a 4 minute video LOVELY!!

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Hi Nikhil can you help me chepter 6th biology class 12th ager yes to Kuch repli kigeya abhi

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This video is super helpful I watched a few other videos and it helped me pass my science test with 51/60! That’s the highest score I’ve ever got! So thank you soo much

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someone's gonna pass school

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[@AlleyCryptid]

You made an awesome video. I came here because I was talking to my 4yr old about genetic modification, he asked me 'what is a gene' and I didn't know how to answer it in a way that he would even begin to understand. He doesn't completely comprehend everything we just watched (he's 4 so, yeah) but he's already asking me if we can watch more stuff to explain other things. Subbed and grateful. Thank you so much. You never realize how hard it is to describe something until you have kids and you have to define everything, ever.

[@tictock700]

These videos are actually making sense to me, they're making learning fun because it's so easy to understand. I hope to see more videos soon!

[@BobMcCob]

Maaaan, I'm such a visual learner and this taught more then any teacher has in my life... Thank you for this.

[@alexandersen4888]

One of the best explanations I've encountered. You guys are undoubtedly aware that the brain best recalls the first and last, and in that way you summerise it all in a clear language at the end. Thank you!

[@gordonledwidge2557]

you have a very special gift of teaching, your pace of delivery is excellent, you have clear speech, no annoying music, just excellent information for those of us who are serious students. cannot thank you enough for your videos. keep up the brilliant work. love and light karen

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As a teacher, I must say: this is excellent content. Your channel name is truly fitting! Thank you for your great work!!

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Fr

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Simple, concise, well constructed and amazing description of DNA-Outstanding- Biology teacher for 32 years

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[@EpicFailGirlie]

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THank you john perry.. your voice is good and you speak clear and slow, which gives time to understand for some slow minds to understand the complexity...

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OMG, i have to comment again and say thank you from the buttom of my heart, this is like a summary of many pages of the Biology book i read right now.

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Great videos, I love them! Can you please post a video to explain CRISPR? Thanks!

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So happy I found your three video's today. You are an excellent teacher, John. Thanks!

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[@KVKBaraniPrasath]

Literally stated clearly . . . Quality presentation :)

[@stevendavis1336]

Well done.. your approach and detail simplify the complexity of Gene's, DNA etc. Excellent information!

[@joshmcturner]

It's Joshua from Chico Skeptics (little brother created the account years ago for me lol). This is the one I am going to show Thursday night. Incredible video Jon. I'm sure you've already inspired kids across the world to love science with these. What could be greater?

[@kristelmaekho-suniega687]

thanks for this! im a math teacher teaching science.. i guess i don't have to worry anymore hahah

[@wotsitalabowt]

Fantastically clear explanation, remit achieved, thank you. It amazes me that these sequences successfully instruct molecules to get to work. It almost seems that the DNA sequences and the protein-building molecules are capable of independent thought! I'm guessing that's not actually the case, but do you know the process by which they apparently understand what job they are meant to be doing?

[@KohuGaly]

The individual parts in the process are absolutely clueless about the big picture. It just happens to be that those parts which do better job are more likely to get passed on than those who do crappy job.

[@essentialsofbiology1643]

The molecules communicate with each other by touch. Each one has a characteristic shape, and fits together with certain other molecules like puzzle pieces. This 'touch and fit' also involves static cling: many molecules have numerous charged parts that attract opposite charge. Imagine running around blindfolded, wearing patches of velcro hooks and/or loops on various parts of your body, in a huge crowd of blindfolded people, all similarly attired with variously patterned velcro suits, and all in a big hurry. After many collisions, you would find someone that you stick to particularly well. This works fine in cells, where each molecule collides with other molecules about a billion times per second. The other ability that allows protein molecules to act 'intelligently' is that each can flip between two or three different functional shapes. This allows other molecules to flip them 'on' or 'off.'

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Amazing. Love your explanation. It really is ‘clearly stated.” Thank you, thank you 🧡

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I found this channel yesterday and I have not been able to stay away. Amazing work!!! I will be watching this with my nephews and nieces over the christmas holidays. Thanks for making me the cool uncle :)

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Hi Mrs.A (like so my teacher will see)

[@fantasick8880]

"You look great in my genes" very funny.

[@MamtaSingh-il4lk]

The fly sounded like a Street harraser

[@jakobrendsvig816]

These 5 minutes videos of Stated Clearly would be suitable for introductions in high school biology classes, and mom & dad :)

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[@eliptiqz796]

Nice presentation. I have learnt a lot with your videos. I need to convince my kiddo to watch, maybe a server in minecraft where gamers build strands of dna .....hahaha.

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[@lipsach]

How the cell knows were witch gene starts and ends, when it copies it to RNA?

[@StatedClearly]

+lipsach There are what are called "promoter sequences" in front of a gene which attract transcription molecules sort of like a magnet attracts metal. Once all the transcription molecules are stuck to the DNA, they self-activate and run along the DNA strand building RNA as they go. At the end of the gene there are sequences that cause the transcription complex to derail. This marks the end of the gene.

[@sanketjahagirdar7921]

Beautiful

[@ThisCatIsAWhiteCat]

thanks buddy. my science teacher taught us for 2 classes and i still dont understand. this video helped me so much

[@kristyhowe1]

Stated very clearly, animation is a big help with understanding! Thank you!

[@HaranYakir]

Just watched all four of your videos in reverse order, and they are great :) A comment about this one: you refer to the female human as "beautiful swimsuit model", something which I doubt you'll say about a male human. Also, the comment from the fly sounds very similar to real street harassment experienced by women in real life. Together this gives a small unpleasant sexist vibe to an otherwise REALLY GOOD video.

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do you know that information only comes from information

[@roberttwyman432]

Absolutely! And for Stated Clearly to state that "...scientists believe all life on Earth is related..." (2:23) is a misrepresentation of scientist positions - certainly not stated clearly. To say scientists believe this because all life shares the same language of As, Cs, Ts and Gs is a bit like saying 2 brands of car must be related because cars of both brands are made of plastics and metals. In fact the only relation could be that both cars were made by similarly-skilled human designers. Stated Clearly seems to be using the video to promote evolutionist dogma.

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[@RishiGangoly]

Very nicely explained. Love you guys for creating these videos.

[@alduinfirstbornofakatosh1936]

Your videos are so clear and informative. Thank you!

[@randvids6072]

"supposedly"?

[@EdGloss]

"Supposedly safe for humans"? I except better from a science video. There is zero reason for a political, unscientific statement lime that. You could have just as easily used the phrase" considered safe for humans" which would have conveyed the same message while remaining politically neutral. Moreover, since this is a science video, the scientists fact checking the material could have simply referenced the peer-reviewed literature rather than playing politics in an educational video. I expect better from this series. Keep the politics out and the science in.

[@DSzeroDS]

I don't get where you see any relation to politics in that statement. He simply said supposedly because the genetic engineering that went into producing that pest resistant corn is fully understood. Genetic engineering is fairly new in agricultural time. If the pest resistant corn has deadly affects on insects how do we know it wont have any miner negative affects on humans. The food company's surely wouldn't want you to believe it does but again the genetics of that food isn't 100% fully understood therefore it would be more accurate to say supposedly. I just don't get how saying supposedly or its considered changes some political stance.

[@EdGloss]

It's political because scientists, at least in the peer-reviewed literature, don't see the supposed safety issues that are claimed in the media. It's junk science. I'm sorry but genetically engineered foods are not new. They are decades old and have a ton of science behind them. It wasn't like it was done in a lab last week. A ton of testing went into it. As for something being deadly to insects but not humans I fail to see why this is a big deal. Flies can live off feces. I'm pretty sure we can't. It's almost entirely a political issue. Genetically engineering food is fully understood at least in the way it's being used. It isn't magic. They aren't doing anything that farmers haven't been doing for years already. They are just breeding it differently. It simply isn't the Frankenfruit as is claimed. That's a complete misunderstanding of the science. And the bottom line is that without GMOs we will not in any way, shape or form be able to feed the world's billions of people who don't currently have food and that's says nothing of the many billions who will be born and who will starve unless we figure out how to feed them. GMOs are the solution. Food that can practically grow in any condition, will yield more per acre, will be larger and will be resistant to decay for longer periods of time. Unless you can figure out a better way to feed the world, which isn't even being done yet, are you prepared to volunteer to starve to death? I didn't think so.

[@rawcomfort1582]

Ed Gloss As much as I hate to mention it, the Japanese have developed a meat substitute made entirely of human feces. They have also developed a breed of rat that converts feed to meat much more effectively than any other known variety of livestock. What they have yet to do is - create marketing campaigns capable of getting anyone to eat these.

[@haiggoh]

I agree, the statement was unnecessary. It doesn't make a difference for the human body if synthetic insecticides get sprayed on the plants (which has been common practice for centuries) or if the plants produce insect-poison themselves. If the FDA approves it then it should be considered safe for human consumption. These things get tested by scientific studies and there is no indication that these insecticides are harmful for humans so using the word supposedly just reinforces distrust without any scientific basis. It's merely opinion, not fact. There is no evidence that any of the fda-approved breeds are harmful to humans.

[@TranceJams]

"If the FDA approves it then it should be considered safe for human consumption." Just because it is FDA approved does not mean it is 100% safe for human consumption. A lot of the time they try to get certain drugs approved or prevent certain drugs from being approved for financial reasons. And when there is a safety problem they often won't acknowledge it for the very same reasons or because it will reflect badly on them.

[@RIKHI08]

Great explanation buddy! I’m subscribing to this channel for sure.

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Your explanation is very well understood more than from a textbook. Thanks 😁😊

[@TheOli2012]

HARAMBE 0:48

[@Habibi_I0]

Look its HARAMBE HARAMBE for LIFE

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I'll give you a pass on this since this was a month ago but... Jesus Christ this meme is so dead.

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who the helll are u do i fucking know u bitch

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John Cena you sure about that?

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MLGGAMERS FOREVER What I'm concerned with is why you think about these things, you gayboy.

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MLGGAMERS FOREVER By the way nice racial slur. Very clever.

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Nice video. I'm using it as a basic refresher to open my lecture tomorrow.

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As a biology teacher, I thank you for your videos. They are very helpful for my students.

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and for you. you dont need to teach them personaly

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[@carriedollar9877]

What's with the "supposedly" on the gmo corn? Science is based on evidence, not belief. Whether people like it or not, the evidence shows that gmo corn is just as safe for human consumption as any other corn. Please do NOT make a science video then interject the science with your personal belief. Now, you could have said that corn monoculture is of scientific concern, because there is evidence that agricultural monoculture can lead to famine.

[@StatedClearly]

+carrie dollar ah, you noticed that, huh? This video was written before I had science advisors working with me. At the time there were concerns being raised by Bill Nye on the issue which was what inspired the wording. If we end up finding funding to make Stated Clearly a full time gig, this is one of the videos that will get reworked.

[@aniyeats]

I noticed that too. Thanks for clarifying

[@gumdropz8018]

Lmao chill

[@PatrickRyan147]

Imo, the use of the word "supposedly" is warranted here.. This is a relatively new technology so we are not 100% sure if it is entirely safe for us or not.. Only time will tell my fellow guinea pigs : )

[@davidschmidt6013]

As Patrick says, it's too early to be totally sure, despite what your hoped-for corporate sponsors at humanitarian organizations like Monsanto tell you. In the interest of intellectual integrity, you need to use AND KEEP the word 'supposedly' right where it is.

[@EFGteamsup]

i studied this in highschool: verry interesting. While americans still learn creationism i learned evolution and genetechnology

[@cortster12]

emiel teamsup We don't learn creationism in school here. Sadly, our parents do teach us this.

[@EFGteamsup]

cortster12 the problem with america is that there is not a good school system, some teach creationism and others both and others evolution, it is so rediculous it gets me angry

[@cortster12]

emiel teamsup I have never heard of a school, other than private christian schools, that actually teach religion in school. none. The school system sucks, don't get me wrong, but it isn't that bad... at least, not in Washington State it isn't.

[@EFGteamsup]

cortster12 lol, .... there even are universities/schools who expelled/banned students for starting an atheist group... (like a music group or game group)

[@cortster12]

emiel teamsup That's weird as hell. Those universities need to fire their staff.

[@Surfelix]

this is fantastic! the best video i ever seen about it!thanks for your work ! cheers from Portugal!

[@joannas3747]

My God, You are..this is... I just... I love You man, I was so desperate before exam, that I type in KZbin DNA for dummies. Best decision ever. Thank you so much :*

[@alaashoaib8450]

Big thanks for you for simplyfing genes, I was kinda confused when I passed by this part in my book and then searched and found this video, all my thanks for you

[@Sabrinaaa.M]

I have an exam today about gene and DNA them two videos are going to help Thankyou

[@paula_arc8]

I love this. The information is really clear AND fascinating

[@mrhakim2186]

THIS IS THE BEST VIDEO EXPLANATION OF GENES AND DNA EVER, PERIODT.

[@mohammedalsaif4969]

Well made John, very nice and clear.

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Thank bro that was really useful. You don’t know how much I appreciate that and you right now.thank you so much.I really needed this

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Love your videos, pls keep them up! So easy to understand!

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AMAZING thank you. Finally someone clearly states things!! IT takes extreme talent to express something simple like that.

[@ArpanaTimalsina]

wow........cleared so many doubts and questions that was running in my head while reading GENETICS...thanx a tonne...brilliant...so nicely stated and animated,....thanx...! ! ! :) :) :)

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thats exactly what it conveys...."stated clearly" ..well done!!

[@nouhabhy3067]

So grateful for captions Thanks!!!!

[@badgirl8489]

I have never seen clearer explanation than this even my teacher couldn’t say it as simple as this 🌺

[@gabbypunch3123]

excellent and very clearly presented - thank you! Help with my teaching and making my students lives easier!!

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I'm so glad I found this channel.

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NIce series of videos. very educative and very easy to follow. keep up the good work

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A good teacher is essential to communicate a passion for science. With the internet, we can all find good teachers whatever the quality of our schools :)

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This was really, really helpfull! Please keep up the good work.

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absolutely amazing!!! you made it sound so straight forward. Im so glad i found this video. Thank You very much!!! : )

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Helpful animated video. Really useful in understanding complex terms and process.

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Great summarised videos

[@erniehartt3246]

Great set of videos, I use them in my high school biology class.

[@IsouDw]

Let's be as simple. This is the clearest explanation ever ! I love the animations, the voices and the explanations. Waouh ! If you need french translation, I will gladly help out. Have a nice life !

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i love ur videos, hopefully i will be able to donate in the future! keep the good work going

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Wow great video guys really helped with my GCSE revision

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well thank you for making my day so much better and saving me hours of searching the internet

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Awesome! Love the slow talk!

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Hi. Just wanted to say my science obsessed autistic 8 year old loves your videos! Thank you for putting this in a format he can understand!

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your videos are really helping with my virtual learning sitch thank you :)