What does DNA code for?

A gene is a length of DNA that contains the instructions to make a chemical in your body. The DNA in a gene usually codes for a protein.

In our cells, proteins are the workforce; they get everything done. Proteins break down our food to release energy. Proteins organise the transport of useful chemicals between cells. Often, these useful chemicals are themselves proteins.

As well as doing things, proteins are the building blocks for most of your body. In the same way that a wall is made mostly of bricks, your body is made mostly of protein.

We talk about genes having different characteristics. For instance, if you hear about 'genes for eye colour', it means that these genes code forprotein pigments in the iris of each of our eyes. Genes can come in different versions. Some people's versions code for proteins that make their eyes look blue while other people's versions make proteins that make their eyes look brown.