GENES
Within
specific stretches of the "letters" of the
DNA on a chromosome reside the genes. Genes can be
considered as the basic unit of heredity - that is
they carry the characteristics that are inherited
from an individual's parents. Whether you have blue
eyes or black hair for example is determined by the
genes that you have inherited from your parents.
The
genes also control what cells do. A gene is like a
big boss in the office - he has the power to get the
cell to do something - so he sends out his secretaries
and couriers, known as messenger RNA. The cell receives
these messages and starts producing the proteins to,
say, make your black hair grow!
