6 ms·

> genes are probably not that important Genes encode for proteins, which seem pretty crucial to biological functions of the cell.

• refurb 7y ago
  Yes, but genes in and of themselves explain very little in terms of the overall functioning of a cell. The process that determines if and when a gene gets expressed is probably as important as the gene itself.
  • COGlory 7y ago
    Genes determine expression though.
    • refurb 7y ago
      Sometimes, but there is a lot outside the specific gene that has an impact.
      • COGlory 7y ago
        Yes, other genes. Transcription factors. Methylation. DNA accessibility. All determined by proteins which are in-turn determined by genes. Genes determine expression.
        • refurb 7y ago
          What about all that DNA that never gets transcripted?
          • COGlory 7y ago
            To do anything, requires interaction with a protein, which in turn is expressed by a gene.