Genes are the working parts of DNA they determine hair color, height, skin color, and eye color within us all. Mental abilitiy and natural talent are also affected by heredity, as is the possibilities to acquire certain diseases. Each of us have between 30,000 to 35,000 genes, which make up our physical and mental attributes.

We use a field of biology called Genetics to examine genes and focus (but not limited to) study of heredity, focusing on how particular qualities or traits are transmitted from parents to children.

Chromosomes are made up of long DNA molecules with proteins. We 'Humans' all have cells with 46 chromosomes; 2 sex 'chromosomes' and 22 pairs of autosomal 'chromosomes'. females are made from "46, XX" and males are made from "46, XY".

Genes are defined by the intervals along one of the DNA molecules. The position in which the gene is located is called the locus.

Interesting Facts about Genetics

• We share 98% of our genes with an ape
  
• We share 80% with a mouse
  
• We share 50% with a fruitfly
  
• We share 20% with a tiny worm 
• About 1 in 180 babies is born with a chromosome abnormality.
• About 50% of individuals with intellectual disability have a chromosome abnormality.
• 3% of the US population has an intellectual disability.

Further Information