Genetics works through the inheritance of genes, which determine various traits.
The Basics of Genetic Inheritance
Genetics, at its core, is the study of heredity and variation in living organisms. It explains how traits are passed down from parents to offspring. Here's a breakdown of how it works:
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Genes are the fundamental units of heredity: These are segments of DNA that contain instructions for building proteins, which carry out various functions in the body.
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Chromosomes carry genes: Genes are organized on structures called chromosomes, which are found in the nucleus of cells. Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes, for a total of 46.
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Inheritance from Parents: As stated in our reference, you have two copies of every gene. You inherit one copy from your father and one copy from your mother. This is why you share traits with both of your parents.
- For example, you might inherit your eye color from your mother and your height from your father.
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Genes Determine Traits: The genes people inherit from their parents can determine many things. For example, genes affect what a person will look like and whether the person might have certain diseases.
Examples of Genetic Influence
- Physical appearance: Genes play a significant role in determining traits like hair color, eye color, height, and skin tone.
- Disease susceptibility: Some genes increase the risk of developing certain diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
- Inherited diseases: Genes can also cause diseases directly. Sickle cell anemia and cystic fibrosis are caused by mutations in specific genes.
