Genes (DNA) can be "turned on" or "turned off" at different times in development or in response to environmental change. There are two main parts of genetics that will help here. In general the " Central Dogma of Molecular Biology" states that the flow of information is one-way: Carl Sagan, CosmosĪn analogy I like to use is that DNA is the blueprint that stays with the architect, RNA is a copy of the blueprint you take to the job site, and proteins are the finished product. We make our world significant by the courage of our questions and by the depth of our answers. For more open-ended questions, try /r/AskScienceDiscussion | Sign up to be a panelist!.Looking for flair? Sign up to be a panelist!.Neuroscience, Neurology, Neurochemistry, Cognitive NeuroscienceĪsk Anything Wednesday - Engineering, Mathematics, Computer scienceĪskScience AMA Series: Neglected Tropical DiseasesĪsk Anything Wednesday - Biology, Chemistry, Neuroscience, Medicine, PsychologyĪskScience AMA Series: Long COVID + DepressionĪskScience AMA Series: Mental Health and ThrombosisĪsk Anything Wednesday - Economics, Political Science, Linguistics, AnthropologyĪskScience AMA Series: Cuttlefish and the Marshmallow TestĪsk Anything Wednesday - Physics, Astronomy, Earth and Planetary Science Medicine, Oncology, Dentistry, Physiology, Epidemiology, Infectious Disease, Pharmacy, Human Body Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Abnormal, Social Psychology Social Science, Political Science, Economics, Archaeology, Anthropology, Linguisticsīiology, Evolution, Morphology, Ecology, Synthetic Biology, Microbiology, Cellular Biology, Molecular Biology, Paleontology Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Structural Engineering, Computer Engineering, Aerospace EngineeringĬhemistry, Organic Chemistry, Polymers, Biochemistry Mathematics, Statistics, Number Theory, Calculus, AlgebraĪstronomy, Astrophysics, Cosmology, Planetary FormationĬomputing, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, ComputabilityĮarth Science, Atmospheric Science, Oceanography, Geology Theoretical Physics, Experimental Physics, High-energy Physics, Solid-State Physics, Fluid Dynamics, Relativity, Quantum Physics, Plasma Physics /r/AskScienceDiscussion: For open-ended and hypothetical questions.FAQ: In-depth answers to many popular questions.Weekly Features: Archives of AskAnything Wednesday, FAQ Fridays, and more!.Be civil: Remember the human and follow Reddiquette.Report comments that do not meet our guidelines, including medical advice.Downvote anecdotes, speculation, and jokes.Upvote on-topic answers supported by reputable sources and scientific research.Answer questions with accurate, in-depth explanations, including peer-reviewed sources where possible.Please read our guidelines and FAQ before posting