Answer:
DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, controls a multitude of processes within living organisms. Three major processes it controls include:
Protein Synthesis: DNA contains the genetic instructions necessary for synthesizing proteins. This process involves two main steps: transcription, where the DNA sequence is transcribed into mRNA (messenger RNA), and translation, where the mRNA is translated into a specific sequence of amino acids to form a protein.
Cell Division: DNA replication ensures that each daughter cell receives an identical copy of the genetic material during cell division. This process is essential for growth, repair, and reproduction in living organisms. Cell division involves two main types: mitosis, which produces two identical daughter cells, and meiosis, which produces four genetically unique gametes (sex cells).
Gene Expression Regulation: DNA controls when and where specific genes are expressed in an organism. This regulation is critical for determining cell specialization, responding to environmental cues, and maintaining overall cellular function. Gene expression can be influenced by various factors, including regulatory proteins, environmental signals, and epigenetic modifications.
