Role of DNA Specifically Chromosomes, Alleles, and Genes on Human Characteristics

The Function of DNA
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The Function of DNA
DNA contains genetic information or instructions for the development, reproduction, and survival of all living organisms. Genetic information also defines the physical characteristics or traits such as eye color, freckles, dimples, allergies, and many other features (Phelan, 2021). Genetic traits such as blue or brown eye color are passed down to children from parents. The genetic makeup of parents defines the amount and quality of melanin pigmentation in the front layers of the iris of their children. While people with blue eyes have low levels of melanin in the iris, those with brown eyes have large amounts of melanin pigmentation.
Chromosome 15 has been identified to play a role in eye color, and two genes, OCA2 and HERC2, have been implicated. The OCA2 gene encodes for P protein, which is critical for the maturation of melanosomes that are responsible for the production and storage of melanin. The HERC2 controls the expression of the OCA2 gene, and a reduction in OCA2 gene expression results in less melanin in the iris and subsequent lighter eye co...