Genetics is the study of genes and heredity, and how those two things help define all living organisms.

The idea of genetics is generally credited to Gregor Johann Mendel, who, in the 1860s, studied how different features got passed on from one generation to the next in pea plants.The term "genetics," however, was first coined by British scientist William Bateson in the early 1900s.

Genes are found on DNA.

DNA stands for DEOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACID. Say that five times fast and you'll sound reeeeeal smart!

DNA comes packed in chromosomes, which are always paired. Humans have 46 total chromatids, or 23 chromosome pairs. You get half of each pair from your dad, and half from your mom.

And now, some pretty pictures of DNA to look at!

   

The basic "code" of DNA is composed of 4 nucleic acids: cytosine, guanine, adenine, and thymine. Cytosine always goes with guanine (think of the CoastGuard), while adenine always pairs with thymine (AT).

DNA copies itself in a process called mitosis, in which the two halves of the DNA separate- sort of like unzipping a zipper!