DNA DISCOVERY CENTER
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Have you ever wondered why you have your father’s eyes or your mother’s smile? You resemble your parents because of a molecule called DNA.

But DNA doesn’t just connect parents and children; it connects all life on Earth. DNA has been passed on from one species to the next for billions of years, through the process of evolution.

Scientists extract and analyze DNA to find differences and similarities among organisms. Studying DNA allows scientists to trace an organism’s ancestry and learn how it is related to other species.

Explore DNA and its function in more detail by selecting from the topics below.

What Is DNA?:
Learn why DNA is called the “molecule of life” and find out the role it plays in your body.

Where Is DNA Found?:
Discover where DNA resides and how it directs the development and function of your eyes, heart, and more.

What Does DNA Look Like?:
Take a look at a magnified molecule of DNA and examine its hidden “code.”

How Does DNA Work?:
Find out how to read DNA and map out the job of a gene.

How Is DNA Passed On?:
Discover how DNA copies itself and learn about the effects of genetic mutations.

Why Do We Study DNA?:
Check out how Field Museum scientists use DNA to map out the family tree of all life on Earth and use it to protect threatened species and habitats.

How Do We Study DNA?:
Take a look at the process Field Museum scientists use to sequence the DNA of plants and animals from our collections.

More About DNA:
Check out a variety of online resources that can give you more information about DNA research and genome sequencing.



Continue to What Is DNA? >>






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