How are the characteristics or traits stored in your DNA?

Answer 1

This question is a little broad, but I'll do my best.

DNA is found in the chromosomes and is composed of millions of base pairs held together by two sugar-phosphate backbones. The base pairs can be A-T, T-A, C-G, or G-C.

DNA holds the instructions that are needed to create proteins; certain lengths of base pairs on the chromosomes, called genes, hold the code that the cell uses to create proteins. Cells in different places in the body need different proteins, but they all have the same DNA, so certain genes are activated or deactivated based on signals that come from nearby cells, leading to cell specialization.

When a cell makes a protein, an activated gene in DNA sends a message in the form of mRNA to the ribosomes, which translate the message into an amino acid sequence, or polypeptide. Many polypeptides are put together in order to create the proteins that the body needs.

As you can see, the order of base pairs in DNA essentially determines the proteins that will be created. Between two individuals, the DNA is not exactly the same, so there is a slight alteration in the way all the proteins in their bodies are put together, and their defining physical and mental characteristics become evident.

OR -- DNA encodes molecules. Molecules have different functions under different stresses. Traits are macro characteristics of the individual. For example, when some molecule encounters a low pH (a stressor) (for example) it binds with whatever resulting in hair that doesn't diffuse light -- that is, the individual is seen with dark hair. So we say the DNA encodes the trait of dark hair. I assure you, however, that the DNA never heard of dark hair.

Answer 2

Traits (including ones that make you human) are stored in your DNA as codons. These are three nitrogenous bases that are read three at a time and form sentences that should make sense.