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The Gene

The Gene Explained | The Gene That Transformed

3m 09s

What terrifying things go on in a chrysalis, and what dark role do genes play? In this episode, learn how a hormone wakes up a gene that triggers the transformation of a caterpillar into a butterfly -- from forming a chrysalis to liquefying the caterpillar to fuel the imaginal discs that form a butterfly.

Aired: 04/22/21
Funding for KEN BURNS PRESENTS THE GENE: AN INTIMATE HISTORY has been provided by Genentech, 23andMe, Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, Gray Foundation, American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) & Conquer Cancer Foundation, Judy and Peter Blum Kovler Foundation, Craig and Susan McCaw Foundation, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. The Outreach and Education Partner is National Institutes of Health, National Human Genome Research Institute. Outreach support is provided by Foundation Medicine.
Extras
Watch • 3:25
The Gene
The Gene Explained | Gene Damage
What goes on in our DNA to make us grow grey hair, wrinkles and less than healthy DNA?
Special: 3:25
Watch • 3:21
The Gene
The Gene Explained | Is That a Banana in Your Genes?
Humans are indeed genetically related to bananas (as well as slugs), but how exactly?
Special: 3:21
Watch • 3:01
The Gene
The Gene Explained | Invasion of the Gene Snatchers
How do viruses work? Sort of like an alien invasion that replaces our cell’s genetic code.
Special: 3:01
Watch • 3:00
The Gene
The Gene Explained | A Big Wooly Gene
In this episode, we delve into the difficulties of resurrecting extinct animals.
Special: 3:00
Watch • 1:54:10
The Gene
Revolution in the Treatment of Disease
Part Two begins with the signature scientific achievement of our time.
Episode: S1 E2 | 1:54:10
Watch • 0:30
The Gene
Official Trailer
The science, history & personal stories of the human genome.
Preview: S1 | 0:30
Watch • 1:54:09
The Gene
Dawn of the Modern Age of Genetics
Part One interweaves present-day stories with the discoveries of pioneers in genetics.
Episode: S1 E1 | 1:54:09
Watch • 2:14
The Gene
The Gene Explained | Gene Filled Donuts
How DNA's mysterious instructions buried in a gene become the actual nose on a face.
Special: 2:14
Watch • 2:49
The Gene
The Gene Explained | Gene Whiz! It's a Boy!
If you're curious about the origin of boys, look no further than the Y chromosome.
Special: 2:49
Watch • 2:58
The Gene
The Gene Explained | Super Gene
See what happens if DNA code gets deleted, put in the wrong place, or switched.
Special: 2:58
Watch • 1:54:10
The Gene
Revolution in the Treatment of Disease
Part Two begins with the signature scientific achievement of our time.
Episode: S1 E2 | 1:54:10
Watch • 1:54:09
The Gene
Dawn of the Modern Age of Genetics
Part One interweaves present-day stories with the discoveries of pioneers in genetics.
Episode: S1 E1 | 1:54:09