Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Is that true the DNA, traits passing for generations will not disappear im any case? It's like your great great grandfather has DNA1 and his baby(great grandfather) has DNA2. So you contain your DNA all of their DNA(DNA1, DNA2, DNA3, DNA4) and genes ? I know my explanation is bad but hope you understand my question.

Hi,

Some of your DNA remains the same from generation to generation but some sequences are lost. Each time the single copies of the genes from the mother and father recombine there are some sequences that are altered in the child's DNA. For example, a female child does not have a Y chromosome which is present only in males, but she does carry some sequences donated by her father. When she has a child, if it is a boy, the Y chromosome comes from her husband and will be different from the Y chromosome of her father. Other DNA sequences will be slightly different also.

Genetics is pretty complicated but there are a ton of good websites and videos explaining how it works. If you want to learn more I can suggest some for you to take a look at.

Good luck!

Sybee