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I am confused. I have absolutely zero biology background so please, bear with me.

So genes only code how to make proteins? That's IT? What about all the other stuff like what you look like, what diseases you may or may not get, some special functions of your body, your biological strengths and weaknesses, etc etc. Or defining protein generation actually defines all of that? (that would be so fascinating).

And 90% of the DNA is labeled as "non-coding?" ?!?!? Seriously? well it can't be "junk" can it? Or maybe its like a long bitcoin chain with only the latest commit relevant....




Yes, specifying which proteins are made, and how much of each and how that varies with cell type is most of what determines an organism's phenotype. This is largely because enzymes are proteins, and enzymes control all the biochemical reactions in a cell. But proteins can also be transcription factors, which control which other proteins are produced, and they can be important for their mechanical properties, etc. So, not some boring category of biomolecule that gets listed on nutritional information section on food packaging.




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