Description: Genes are the segments of our DNA, or "genetic code," that are used to make proteins, one of the principal components of cells. "Gene expression" is the flow of genetic information from a gene to a protein. It is one of the fundamental biological processes that enable our cells to grow, survive, and function. The ability of this process to proceed properly is therefore critical to our own development, longevity, and health in general. Inappropriate gene expression, which may happen in response to an injury or as the result of a genetic mutation, is responsible for countless diseases, including many types of epilepsy.