The Gene

How Many Genes to Build an Organ Like the Brain?

How many genes does it take to build an organ as complex as the human brain? The answer? Fewer than in an onion! Discover just how many human genes there are.

How Many Genes to Build an Organ Like the Brain?

1m 15s

  • The Gene Explained | Is That a Banana in Your Genes?: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    The Gene Explained | Is That a Banana in Your Genes?

    3m 21s

    It’s true that the banana and the slug are our genetic relatives, and so is everything else. But what does that mean? Which parts of our genes are related and just how much overall do we have in common with a banana and as science advances, how will that affect future fruit baskets?

  • The Gene Explained | The Gene That Transformed: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    The Gene Explained | The Gene That Transformed

    3m 9s

    What terrifying things go on in a chrysalis, and what dark role do genes play? In this episode, learn how a hormone wakes up a gene that triggers the transformation of a caterpillar into a butterfly -- from forming a chrysalis to liquefying the caterpillar to fuel the imaginal discs that form a butterfly.

  • The Gene Explained | Invasion of the Gene Snatchers: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    The Gene Explained | Invasion of the Gene Snatchers

    3m 1s

    How do viruses work? Sort of like aliens that invade cells and take them over. They do that enough times, and you’ve got a big ol’ problem on your hands. In this episode, learn how a virus invades and what it does to not only kill a cell but create a sort of infectious bomb that contaminates other cells.

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