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Various metaphors are used to explain the central role of DNA in a cell to laypersons. These include blueprint, recipe, catalogue, instruction manual etc. I even heard someone describing DNA as a 'boss' that yells orders.

Here are some interesting ones:

  1. An ancestral archive
  2. An archeological site
  3. A prison (retroviruses and transposons)
  4. A computer
  5. A deck of cards
  6. A clock

What are some useful metaphors that help to explain DNA function?

haz
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    You just answered your question 11 times, if I count correctly. What is it you wish to know? Other metaphors? If yes, I think such a discussion-type question should be posted in chat, not on the main site. – AliceD Nov 13 '20 at 11:58
  • It is clearly off-topic, but this doesn't appear to be homework @John. & homework questions aren't off-topic. Only if they do not conform to the other rules. – user438383 Nov 13 '20 at 16:33
  • I answered. What about you? Good metaphors are essential to conveying complex or domain information and a pillar of education. Have a try! – haz Nov 15 '20 at 02:24

1 Answers1

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It is a program executed by transcriptase (processor) inside a cell core (computer).

Serg Kryvonos
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  • Since this is an off-topic question (it is opinion rather than fact based), it is better left unanswered. For future posts please note that answers are much more likely to receive a favorable response if you include supporting references (primary literature is best). Without that support, your answer is indistinguishable from opinion. This is a good example of how to format references. ——— Please take the [tour] and then consult the [help] pages for additional advice on [Answer] effectively on this site. Thank you! – tyersome Nov 13 '20 at 19:56
  • Thats my intuition also - that 'computation' is occurring in the transcriptome rather than the genome – haz Nov 15 '20 at 02:27