Human genetics

Every person has special instructions in their body that tell them how to look and act, these instructions are called genetics. These instructions are like a recipe book for how to be a person, and they are found inside tiny parts of our bodies called cells.

Think of your body like a big machine, each part of the machine has a special job to do, and your genes or genetics are like the instructions for how that part of the machine should work. For example, your eyes have genes that tell them what color they should be, and how well they should be able to see.

Now, these instructions come from your parents. You might have heard of them, they are the people who gave birth to you. When you were growing in your mom's tummy, you got half of your instruction book from your mom, and half from your dad. This is why you might have some things that are similar to your mom or dad, like your eye color or hair texture.

These instructions or genes affect all different parts of your body. They can affect things like:

- How tall you are going to be
- What color your hair and eyes are going to be
- If you will be at risk for certain diseases
- If you will have special talents or abilities

Scientists who study genetics are always trying to figure out more about how our bodies work, and how the genes that come from our parents affect us. But for now, just remember that your genetics are like your "recipe book" for how to be you!