Word! Genes

Genes

Say: jeenz

These aren't the blue pants that hang in your closet! These genes hang out all lined up on thread-like things called chromosomes (say: kro-moh-soamz). Genes are made up of segments of DNA and they determine physical traits, including the color of your eyes and whether your hair is straight or curly. You inherited your genes from your parents, which is why someone might say you have your mother's smile.