DNA holds the instructions but doesn't decide on its own — a transcription factor protein comes asking for one gene, and only if that gene is switched ON in this cell does a copier make an RNA work-order to build the protein. Pick a scene below, then drag to spin, press Run the signal, and tap any part to learn its name.
🔗 Part 1 · The control chain
From a signal to a finished protein
🔄 Drag to spin · tap a part to name it
Press Run the signal to watch a protein call for its gene — and a brand-new protein get built.
3D view needs a modern browser — use the step map below 👇
🔤 DNA vs RNA bases
same
changes
same
same
DNA
A
T
C
G
RNA
A
U
C
G
Same: A·C·G — only DNA's T becomes RNA's U
🧬 Part 3 · Signal → gene on (play it yourself)
Pick a signal, press Send signal, and watch the cell decide whether to switch a gene on — one step at a time. Try it with the gene baseline ON (open DNA) and OFF (packed DNA) to see what changes.
GENE ON
Open chromatin — the gene is reachable. Pick a signal and press Send signal.