How Heredity Works

Gregor Mendel realized that all organisms get two copies of each factor.

Today scientist  call these  factors gene ,

A Gene is the portion of a chromosomes  that controls a particular trait.

Genes are a portion of along , complex molecule called

deoxyribounucleic acid. (DNA).

The codes that the DNA contain are related to the molecules shape

and structure.

Predicting Traits

When two parents have a child , there is about a probability chance the child would have the same characteristics of one parent .

Mendel experiments use a new idea to use the Punnnett Square.

It is a table used to predict the outcome of crossing
 different forms of trait.

To make a Punnett square , draw a large square and 

divide it into four  smaller squares .

Write the parent`s factor for the trait outside the square.

Actually you don`t inherit traits .You inherit factors for traits .Humans inherit thousands of factors for traits from their parents.The color of your hair and skin , the shape of your chin, the color of your eyes,the thickness of your eyebrows, the size  of your feet  and even your height were determined by factors you inherit from each parent.

A chart to trace the the history of traits in a family is called pedigree.