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Genes are used to direct a cell to make proteins. Proteins are strings of molecules called amino acids, and there are 20 that are used to make proteins. Proteins are the workhorse of constructing a human. The DNA uses a different type of genetic material called RNA to assemble proteins from the amino acids. Each gene determines which amino acids are to be used and in what sequence. The way in which the amino acids are strung together determines the three-dimensional structure of the protein.

FIGURE 3-1: Diagram of a chromosome.

The structure of protein is critical for it to do its job properly. Any error in the sequence of the amino acids may reduce the efficiency of how the protein works or make it completely nonfunctional.