Why we look somewhat like our

parents, but not exactly.

• The code for traits is contained in the nucleus of
each cell of our body.
• Inside the nucleus are chromosomes which are
made of DNA. This is the code to make you.

One section of
DNA is a gene
• Chromosomes are very small.
• Here is what they look like when you see
them through a microscope.

Chromosome
smear
Three words that describe a chromosome.
a. threadlike structures

b. made of protein a single molecule of DNA

c. found inside the nucleus

• A karyotype is when
chromosomes are
grouped from largest
to smallest.
• They are also
grouped by the
centromere position
and the banding
patterns.
• Compare the karyotypes for a
male and a female.

A female karyotype A male karyotype

One section of
DNA is a gene
 Scientists are finding out more
about DNA each day.
Human Genome Project:
• found the gene (code) for each
chromosome in our body
• don’t know exactly how each gene
(code) works.
HUMAN GENOME PROJECT