Question 1

What is DNA?

Accepted Answer

DNA is like a recipe book that tells our body how to grow and work. It's inside almost every cell in our body.

Question 2

Why do people look like their parents?

Accepted Answer

People look like their parents because they get half of their DNA from their mom and half from their dad. This mix makes you look a bit like both of them.

Question 3

What are genes?

Accepted Answer

Genes are tiny parts of DNA that tell our body how to make proteins. Proteins are like little machines that do all sorts of jobs to keep us healthy.

Question 4

How is DNA related to ancestry?

Accepted Answer

DNA can show us where our ancestors came from because families pass down DNA through generations. Scientists can look at the DNA to find connections to different parts of the world.

Question 5

Can DNA tell us about our health?

Accepted Answer

Yes, DNA can tell us about certain health traits and risks. Some genes might show if we're more likely to get certain diseases or have specific abilities.

Question 6

How do scientists study DNA?

Accepted Answer

Scientists study DNA by using special tools to look at its sequences, like reading letters in a book. This helps them understand how it works and find differences among people.

Question 7

What does it mean to have a genetic mutation?

Accepted Answer

A genetic mutation is like a tiny change in the DNA recipe. Sometimes these changes don't matter, but sometimes they can cause problems or give special abilities.

Question 8

Why is DNA important?

Accepted Answer

DNA is important because it holds all the instructions for building and running our bodies. It helps make us who we are and has unique information for each person.

Question 9

Can DNA change over time?

Accepted Answer

Yes, DNA can change a little over time through mutations or mistakes during cell copying. These changes can be passed on to new generations.

Question 10

How do scientists figure out someone's ancestry from DNA?

Accepted Answer

Scientists compare DNA with samples from people around the world to find similarities. This helps map back where your ancestors might have lived long ago.

Question 11

What is a chromosome?

Accepted Answer

A chromosome is a tight bundle of DNA. Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes in each cell, which carry our genetic information.

Question 12

Can two people have the same DNA?

Accepted Answer

Only identical twins have the exact same DNA. Everyone else has their own unique DNA, which is why no two people are exactly alike.

Question 13

What is genetic testing?

Accepted Answer

Genetic testing is when scientists look at a person's DNA to learn more about their genes. It can show health information or ancestry details.

Question 14

Why do we share DNA with animals?

Accepted Answer

We share some DNA with animals because all living things have common ancestors. Some DNA is similar because it does important jobs needed by many creatures.

Question 15

What can you learn from a DNA test?

Accepted Answer

A DNA test can tell you about your ancestry, like where your ancestors lived. It can also show some traits or health risks you might have from your genes.

Question 16

Is my DNA different from my siblings?

Accepted Answer

Yes, your DNA is a bit different from your siblings' even though you share the same parents. Each child gets a different mix of DNA from mom and dad.

Question 17

How small is DNA?

Accepted Answer

DNA is very tiny, much smaller than anything you can see without a special microscope. It's found inside the cells, which are already extremely small.

Question 18

What is the Human Genome Project?

Accepted Answer

The Human Genome Project was a big science project that mapped all the DNA in humans. It helps scientists understand how genes work and how they affect us.

Question 19

Can plants have DNA too?

Accepted Answer

Yes, plants have DNA just like animals and humans. Their DNA helps them grow, make food, and do all the jobs plants need to do to live.

Question 20

How does DNA help solve crimes?

Accepted Answer

DNA can help solve crimes by matching evidence from a crime scene with a suspect's DNA. It's like a unique fingerprint that shows investigators who was there.

The Secrets of Human DNA: Understanding Genetics and Ancestry - 20 FAQs Explained Simply