Changes

Small parts of DNA called [[gene]]s serve as the instructions for the body to carry out its functions and give rise to the physical traits of the organism. <ref>"Eye-color genes, through the proteins they encode, direct the amount and placement of melanin in the iris." [http://www.hhmi.org/cgi-bin/askascientist/highlight.pl?kw=&file=answers%2Fgenetics%2Fans_044.html Ask A Scientist - Genes and eye color]</ref> DNA is packaged into [[chromosomes]]. Each individual human being has 23 pairs of chromosomes, where one set is inherited from his/her mother and the other set is inherited from his/her father. 22 of these chromosomes are referred to as autosomes, while the remaining chromosome determines gender (sex chromosome).

Small parts of DNA called [[gene]]s serve as the instructions for the body to carry out its functions and give rise to the physical traits of the organism. <ref>"Eye-color genes, through the proteins they encode, direct the amount and placement of melanin in the iris." [http://www.hhmi.org/cgi-bin/askascientist/highlight.pl?kw=&file=answers%2Fgenetics%2Fans_044.html Ask A Scientist - Genes and eye color]</ref> DNA is packaged into [[chromosomes]]. Each individual human being has 23 pairs of chromosomes, where one set is inherited from his/her mother and the other set is inherited from his/her father. 22 of these chromosomes are referred to as autosomes, while the remaining chromosome determines gender (sex chromosome).

[[Prokaryotic DNA]] is circular (a closed loop), while [[Eukaryotic DNA]] is linear (with ends) with the exception of [[Mitochondrial DNA]], which is circular too. DNA in [[prokaryote]]s usually consists only of one closed loop chromosome.<ref>Campbell, Neil A, et. al. ''Biology''. 6th ed. San Francisco: Benjamin Cummings, 2002. 299, 530-31.</ref>

[[Prokaryotic DNA]] is circular (a closed loop), while [[eukaryotic DNA]] is linear (with ends) with the exception of [[Mitochondrial DNA]] and chloroplast DNA, which is circular too. The ends of eukaryotic DNA is protected by [[telomere]]s, which are joined together in knots, except when the cell is undergoing [[mitosis]]. DNA in [[prokaryote]]s usually consists only of one closed loop chromosome.<ref>Campbell, Neil A, et. al. ''Biology''. 6th ed. San Francisco: Benjamin Cummings, 2002. 299, 530-31.</ref>

Some virus [[genome]]s are composed of DNA, such as that of the [[influenza]] virus.

Some viral [[genome]]s are composed of DNA, such as that of the [[influenza]] virus.

DNA changes account for differences between individuals. However, they can also cause medical problems such as [[cancer]]. Such DNA-based diseases can be inherited.

DNA changes account for differences between individuals. However, they can also cause medical problems such as [[cancer]]. Such DNA-based diseases can be inherited.