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kids and their parents
identical twins
cousins
Correct!
Identical twins are natural clones. They develop early in pregnancy when the mother's fertilized egg splits in two. Each embryo contains the same genes.
Purpose: Genes carry the codes that make all living things.
Number: Humans have about 30,000 genes and carry two copies of every gene, one copy from each parent.
Characteristics: Genes come in pairs and are made of a chemical called DNA.
Why important: Genes carry the information that partly determines what makes you YOU!
Who shares exactly the same genes?
Which creature has the most genes?
worm
fruit fly
human
Correct!
Scientists estimate that humans have about 30,000 genes, while flies have 14,000 and worms have about 19,000.
Most traits are caused by the combination of your genes and the environment you grow up in.
Fact
OR
Fiction
?
Fact
Few traits are caused by a single gene. There's no gene for creating a sports star or a rock star. It's the genetic mix and the environment that you grow up in that matter.
Humans and chimpanzees share about 98 percent of the same genes.
Fact
OR
Fiction
?
Fact
Chimpanzees are the closest living species to humans. Their genes are surprisingly similar to ours. That's why we have so much in common.