Passing on genes
Genes:
• Genes are passed down through sexual reproduction with gametes.
a) eggs (female gamete) - the female gamete inherits the MTDNA (mitochondrial DNA) from the mother. This one of the very few things you inherit from one specific parent. The MTDNA can only be passed down by women, creating a maternal line.
b) sperm (male gamete) - the male gamete decides your sex (gender). XY meaning a male and XX meaning female.
DNA:
• The gametes hold traits within the nucleus, in the form of DNA.
• Inside every gamete is a long, thin string called DNA, it’s like an instruction manual.
Chromosomes:
• DNA is extremely long so, it’s tightly wrapped and organized into structures called Chromosomes.
• Most cells in your body has 46 chromosomes, 23 pairs in each cell.