Genes perform

Genetic adaptability

Because genes are recipes for proteins, they formulate threads in the fabric of life.

"In eukaryotic cells, genomic DNA is packaged into chromatin in the nucleus. Chromatin is able to undergo dynamic changes during replication, recombination, transcription and DNA repair, but also to control temporal gene expression." 

Stefanie Seitz, 2004.

Genes are meaningful stretch of chromosomes that are the raw materials for RNA and ribosomes to assemble proteins.

These genes are not what they appeared to be at first.

• the genome is not a mere collection of genes, because thousands of genes work together they are more like a concert orchestra, directed to play at different intervals.
• the genome has been described as "an exquisite organ."
• the structure of the gene is less important than its functions
• the genome is at once an archive and a molecular theater of possibilities
• the biological potential is turned into phenotypic reality by a very complicated process
• There is not a one to one relation among genes and inherited characteristic traits, but instead genes possess a syncretic or "a symphonic quality."
• Octopus Genome – deciphering the largest invertebrate genome.

Darwin | | Keller | | Lewontin | | Margulis | | Mayr | | Tattersall | | Thomas