How does DNA direct cell activities?
Well in order for for a section of DNA in the nucleus to be expressed, it needs to be activated. This happens when a hormone binds to a special enzyme in the cell called the transcription factor. The transcription factor then enters the nucleus of the cell and activates the section of DNA (gene) that the hormone told it to. The DNA replicates into mRNA, and the mRNA is released into the cytoplasm of the cell, where ribosomes synthesize protein based on the specific nucleotide sequence in the mRNA. These proteins that are made have different functions, which are the physical representations of the genes which produced them. For example, the hormone testosterone may enter a cell, bind to a transcription factor, which activates the genes that control puberty in males. mRNA travels to the ribosomes, which make proteins that are involved in puberty. As a result, male sex characteristics start forming in the individual! Hope this helped!
