MadSci Network: General Biology |
Hi Ashston! Its a good question. You see there's a reason why sons and daughters look similar to their parents (and their smiles look similar too!). Lets try and trace out the reason... All of us are made up of millions and millions of tiny units called cells. Cells make up our whole body; just like layers and layers of bricks are used to build a wall. All these cells have thread like structures called "chromosomes" in them. These chromosomes are carried on from one generation to the next. For example, you have inherited your chromosomes from your parents. These chromosomes contain information about how you will look as well as your character. Since you have got your parents' chromosomes, you look similar to them. That's the reason why we find our "smiles" similar to that of our parents'. We certainly learn to smile, but our smile resembles our parents' smile because of the chromosomes we inherit from them. For more information on chromosomes, open this site: http://www.windows.ucar.edu/tour/link=/earth/Life/genetics_inheritance.html I hope I could clear your doubt. Bye! Arnab.
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