Ask A Geneticist

I learned that humans have forty-six chromosomes. We have forty-six chromosomes because our complex body system has split them up into many different chromosomes instead of just one large chromosome. In addition, most creatures like us humans have 48, but over time bits and pieces of chromosomes break off and attach to other chromosomes. The most interesting genetics fact I discovered was that genetic diversity is very important to survive. Also, that the dtermination of which genes go on which chromosomes is just pure luck. Lastly I learned that duplicating genes is a way to create new genes.

Link: www.thetech.org/genetics/ask.php?id=184

Basic Genetics

Heredity is when genes, such as personality or physical traits are passed down from another generation to you. Traits are features that a person may have. Some examples are brunette hair, hazel eyes, or being short. Those are physical traits. I learned that sometimes our environment can change our traits. I also learned about single-gene traits and complex traits. Single-Gene traits are when only one gene is shaped by a trait. Complex traits are when traits are influenced by more than one or many genes. Before today I didn't realize how complicated heredity and different traits can actually be.