# Genes ## Alleles vs Genes Genes and alleles are essential to basic genetics, but what are the differences between them? To find out, watch the video below. {% embed url="" %} ## Gene Expression: The Central Dogma Now that you know the definition of genes, it is important to understand how they provide the DNA instructions for proteins. It happens through a process known as the **central dogma.** Read [this article](https://www.khanacademy.org/science/biology/gene-expression-central-dogma/central-dogma-transcription/a/intro-to-gene-expression-central-dogma) on the topic of central dogma and gene expression, and return here afterward. ## The Genetic Code **The genetic code** is the set of rules used by living cells to translate information encoded within genetic material. More specifically, it links groups of nucleotides in an mRNA to amino acids in a protein. Read [this article](https://www.khanacademy.org/science/biology/gene-expression-central-dogma/central-dogma-transcription/a/the-genetic-code-discovery-and-properties) on the topic of the genetic code, and return here afterward. ## Congratulations! If you made it here, then congratulations! You have successfully completed this section. Move to the next portion of the guide with the arrow buttons below. --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.abi.am/abi-omicss-guide-2021/week-2/molecular-biology/genes.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.