DNA and Genes Class Book
Genes
&
DNA
By: Yanice Green
DNA
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Table Of ContentsLoading...
Introduction....p. 4What is DNA?....p. 5
What are Genes?....p. 6
Chromosomes....p. 7
Inherited Traits....p. 8
Acquired Traits....p. 9
Influencing Traits....p. 10
Citations
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Genes and DNABy: Yanice Green
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3Introduction
One time or another, you've probably heard someone say the words genes or DNA. Do you know what they are? What they do? What they mean? It might take some time to understand. You have genes and DNA inside of your body. You get your specific genes and DNA from your parents, grandparents, great grandparents, and so on. The parents basically deliver them to their offspring. However, we'll have to get a little bit more in depth. Continue reading to learn more about genes, DNA, inheritance, and much, much more!
Believe it or not, you have DNA inside of your body. You probably already know that. But do you know what DNA actually is? Lets start with the basics. DNA stands for deoxyribonucleic acid. Your parents pass their DNA that they got from their parents down to you! Maybe you have brown eyes? Do your parents have brown eyes? If so, it's because of your genetics and DNA. DNA might just look like twisted ropes, but it's definitely not. They're actually just long strings of nucleotides. Nucleotides form nucleic acids such as DNA. DNA has instructions that all plants and animals need to survive and reproduce. Everyone has DNA!
4
What Is DNA?
Believe it or not, you have DNA inside of your body. You probably already know that. But do you know what DNA actually is? Lets start with the basics. DNA stands for deoxyribonucleic acid. Your parents pass their DNA that they got from their parents down to you! Maybe you have brown eyes? Do your parents have brown eyes? If so, it's because of your genetics and DNA. DNA might just look like twisted ropes, but it's definitely not. They're actually just long strings of nucleotides. Nucleotides form nucleic acids such as DNA. DNA has instructions that all plants and animals need to survive and reproduce. Everyone has DNA!
5
What Are Genes?
Not only do you have DNA, you have genes too! But, what are genes? A gene is a part or string of DNA that has information for your traits. Genes has instructions for how your body makes its proteins. These proteins determine the shape of the cells in your body. Since cells make up your body, you can thank your genes for all of the characteristics you have.
6
Chromosomes
So we've gone over genes and we've gone over DNA... What else could you possibly have in your body? Chromosomes! Chromosomes are inside of your cells. Reproductive cells are called sperm and eggs. Sperm and eggs only have one chromosome. However, in most species, chromosomes come in pairs. A human cell has 23 pairs of chromosomes. So in total, humans have 46 chromosomes. Chromosomes have hundreds or even thousands of genes inside of them! Who knew?
7
Inherited Traits
Have you ever realized how similar you look to your parents, siblings, or cousins? Well, you can thank your inherited traits! A trait is a quality or characteristic that makes you unique, special, or different. However, there are different types of traits. An inherited trait is a trait that is passed down to you from your parents. Do you have brown hair like your parents? This trait was inherited from them. What traits have you inherited from your parents?
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