Function of Genes

Genetics

What do you notice about the ladies in these pictures? Make a list of observations in your notebook. I see...

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I notice that...

This mother and daughter look alike because of genetics. Their genes caused them to both have red, curly hair, similar faces, and similar height.

Genetics Is Where It All Begins

Where did life come from? Why are living things so different? Why do children look like their parents?

To answer these questions, scientists study a type of biology called GENetics (juh-net-icks). "Gen" means beginning.

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What do you think genetics is?

Genetics is the science of genes and how traits are passed on from one generation to the next.

People who study genes are geneticists (juh-net-i-sists).

Trait

Trait is a distinguishing feature of a person's character. It can be physical or behavioral.

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A few traits that you may see in people is eye color, hair color, height, shape of their nose, or skin color. What is 1 trait that you have? Do you think that you got that trait from one of your parents?

Chromosome

a chromosome is a thread-like structure of DNA (nucleic acids and proteins) that carries genes.

Gene

a gene is a unit on a chromosome that determines a specific trait in an organism.

Our genes make us who we are.

DNA

DNA is like the code for how organisms are put together. A gene is made up of DNA.

Every Living Thing Has DNA

DNA is a chemical in every cell. It contains all the information cells need to make a fish a fish, or you YOU. A dog has dog DNA. You have human DNA. Fish have fish DNA.

DNA< gene < chromosome.

Genes are chunks of DNA

Chromosomes are strands of genes.