What are genes?

Our bodies are made up of trillions of cells, each with a nucleus. The nucleus houses chromosomes,
which are made up of DNA. In turn, DNA contains sequences of genetic code. Each sequence is known as
a ‘gene’. Genes provide vital instructions to cells to make proteins that carry out particular functions in
the body, e.g. building or repairing bone or muscle cells.

We inherit our genes from our parents. This is the way characteristics and conditions are passed down
the generations in families. We have two copies of each gene, one inherited from each parent.

Most genes are the same in everyone. A small number (about 0.1% of the total) are different between
people. This explains the differences between us that make each of us unique.