Genetics: Heredity Basics

What is Heredity?

Heredity is the passing of characteristics from parents to their children through genes.

Key Terms

• Gene: a unit of inheritance carried on chromosomes.
• DNA: the molecule that stores genetic information.
• Dominant and recessive: some traits show more strongly than others.

Why We Look Like Our Parents

We receive one set of genes from each parent, which is why children share features with both.

Key Points

Genetics explains both variation and similarity among living things.

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