What are DNA, genes, and chromosomes?
“Every cell in our bodies contains DNA (the genetic information that tells our bodies how to grow and develop). DNA is packaged into genes. Genes come in pairs. We have pairs of genes that tell our bodies how tall we will be, what color our hair and eyes will be, and whether or not we have a higher risk of developing certain conditions, like diabetes or cancer.” Genes are packaged into larger units called chromosomes. Normally, every person has 23 pairs of chromosomes, for a total of 46. We receive half (23) of our chromosomes from our mothers and half (23) from our fathers. Because we receive one copy of each chromosome from our mothers and one from our fathers, we have two copies of each gene. Sometimes, one or both of these genes may have mutations (changes which prevent the gene(s) from working normally). These gene changes can be inherited (passed from parent to child). It is important for parents to know that there is nothing anyone can do to cause or prevent a gene change from b
