Deep inside every part of your body lies special information called genetic information. It is passed down to you by your birth parents and helps shape what you look like and how your body works.
Cells: The smallest unit of life. Your body is made up of trillions of cells.
Chromosomes: Within each cell there are 23 pairs of chromosomes that you inherit from your birth parents.
DNA: Each chromosome is made of strands of deoxyribonucleic acid, also known as DNA. DNA carries the genetic information needed to build and maintain everything in your body.
Genes: Your DNA is made up of different sections called genes. Each gene is responsible for creating proteins that perform different tasks.
Proteins: Proteins are created by genes to carry out specific tasks in your body. Some of these tasks shape how you look or your body’s ability to work smoothly.
When the instructions are correct, your body runs smoothly.
When they are incorrect, your body may not function as intended, which could lead to a
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