3. Find out the inherited characteristics in your family. (1) These are some characteristics inherited from family members. Check whether you have them.
Activity Booklet 13
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1. Genes
Humans’ appearances are
controlled by genetic traits (called genes). Your genes come from your parents, so you and your parents look similar. Your genes and those of your siblings all come from your parents. However, the gene combinations that each of you gets are different. Therefore, you and your siblings do not have exactly the same appearance. Let’s think: Do twins have exactly the same genes? 2. Hereditary diseases Some diseases can be inherited from parents, such as thalassemia and ‘G6PD deficiency’. If parents carry the genes of these diseases, their children may inherit the diseases from them.
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Do you have double eyelids or single eyelids?
Do you have free earlobes?
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Can your thumbs bend backwards?
Can you roll your tongue?
(2) Interview your family members to see whether they have these inherited characteristics. What similar or different characteristics do you have? 4. Can you get these inherited characteristics through learning? For example, if you were not born with the ability to roll your tongue, can you learn it? All / Not all the inherited characteristics of humans can be changed through learning. Quick Check
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