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Everybody is talking about genes. Your body is filled with them. You look the way you do because of them. But do you really know what a gene is? This animated series won’t get you a Ph.D., but it does clear up a few mysteries about how genes work, how they make us, if we can change them and what they might look like in the future. (Microscope not required.)

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
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.