DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) carries the material that makes up genes. Genes pass characteristics from parent to child. Photo: Science Photo Library (SPL)
Today's Phrase
You say 'it's in someone's genes' when that person has the same personality traits as their parents, or does a similar job.
Examples:
I love motor racing. The love of speed is in my genes. My father was an ambulance driver.
Ann is very ambitious. She can't help it, it's in her genes. Her parents arrived in this country penniless and now are big industrialists.
Take note
The word 'genealogy' means the study of the history of the members of a family.
Example:
I became interested in genealogy after my mother told me that her grandfather was a pirate.
Interesting fact
Cambridge University scientists James Watson and Francis Crick published an article describing the double helix structure of DNA in 1953. The discovery opened up some powerful and controversial technologies available today, including genetic engineering, stem cell research and DNA fingerprinting.
