Reproduction and DNA Basics
Ever wondered how you ended up with your mum's eyes but your dad's nose? It all comes down to meiosis - the special process that creates gametes (sex cells like sperm and eggs). Unlike normal cell division, meiosis creates four genetically different cells, each with half the usual number of chromosomes.
Sexual reproduction needs two parents and creates loads of variation, which helps species survive through natural selection. Asexual reproduction only needs one parent and is much faster - think of how quickly bacteria multiply when you're ill!
Your DNA is basically a twisted ladder (called a double helix) made from four different bases that pair up: C with G, and A with T. Every sequence of three bases codes for one amino acid, and these amino acids link together to make proteins through protein synthesis.
Quick tip: Remember that your genotype is the genetic code you carry, whilst your phenotype is what actually shows up - like having the gene for brown eyes (genotype) and actually having brown eyes (phenotype).
