How do you get your genetics?

You get your genetics by inheriting chromosomes from your parents.

Understanding Chromosomes

Human genetics are determined by chromosomes. Here's how it works:

• Chromosomes Come in Pairs: Humans have 46 chromosomes which are organized into 23 pairs.
• Inheritance from Parents: You inherit one chromosome from each pair from your mother and the other from your father. As such, each biological parent contributes half of the genetic material of the child. The choice of which chromosome within the pair is passed on is random.

The Process of Genetic Inheritance

Here's a breakdown of how the process works:

1. Parental Contribution: Your mother provides 23 chromosomes, and your father provides 23 chromosomes.
2. Chromosome Pairs: Each chromosome from your mother pairs with a corresponding chromosome from your father, resulting in 23 pairs of chromosomes, therefore 46 in total.
3. Random Selection: When sperm and egg cells are created, the parent's pairs are separated and randomly passed to the child. This random process of selection helps to make each individual unique.
4. Genetic Makeup: This combination of chromosomes dictates your unique genetic makeup.

Example

	Mother	Father	You
Chromosome Pair 1	1A	1B	1A or 1B
Chromosome Pair 2	2A	2B	2A or 2B
Chromosome Pair 3	3A	3B	3A or 3B
...	...	...	...
Chromosome Pair 23	23A	23B	23A or 23B

Implications of Genetic Inheritance

Understanding how genetics are passed down is crucial for several reasons:

• Inherited Traits: The random selection of parental chromosomes leads to a diverse combination of genetic traits.
• Genetic Diseases: Genetic conditions can be inherited through this process. Therefore, understanding genetic inheritance can help in identifying potential health risks.