Genetics

Genetics is the study of how traits are passed down from parents to their children. Traits are things like the color of our eyes, the shape of our nose, and whether we have curly or straight hair. These traits are determined by our genes, which are tiny units inside our bodies that make us who we are.

What are Genes?

Genes are like tiny instruction manuals that tell our bodies how to grow and develop. They are made of DNA, which is a special kind of molecule. We inherit our genes from our parents - half from our mom and half from our dad.

How Traits are Inherited

When a baby is born, they get a combination of genes from their mom and dad. This is why children often look a little bit like their parents. Sometimes, children may have traits that are similar to their grandparents or other relatives, because they inherit genes from them too.

Studying Genetics

Scientists who study genetics are called geneticists. They use special tools and methods to learn more about how genes work and how they affect our traits. Through genetics, scientists can also understand how diseases are passed down in families and work on ways to treat or prevent them.

Study Guide

1. What is genetics?
2. What are genes made of?
3. How do we inherit our genes?
4. Who studies genetics?

Understanding genetics helps us learn more about ourselves and the world around us. It's like solving a puzzle to discover how our traits and characteristics are determined!