by Brian, Gr.6

What exactly are chromosomes?

Well, Now that you know what DNA does, you may

be wondering how these traits pass down to generation

to generation. Well, the

truth is that they are passed down

through the cells. In animals and plants, the DNA

forms "chains" inside the nucleus of the cell. Then

they coil up to form nothing else

but...a chromosome!

Every person and type of animal have a certain

number of chromosomes.

If your curious, an insect like

a mosquito has 6, and a plant like a

cabbage has 18. Humans have 46.

The DNA that is contained in 23 of them is passed

on by your father to you before you

are born. Then the DNA that is

contained in another 23

chromosomes is passed on to you by your

mother. So, guess why

you have 46 chromosomes?

Because of this: 23 + 23 = 46! So,

once all chromosomes are in your

body, you have half of your father's

traits, and half of your mother's

traits. Now you know how you

inherit your mother's black or blond

hair, or your dad's blue eyes.

So, you think you understand? Well,

then maybe you can try to test

yourself

on our QUIZ section! You can also

see the GLOSSARY section for

some important words dealing with

genetics. Well, guess what? Were

DONE with this lesson!