DNA

• DNA stands for deoxyribonucleic acid .
• DNA has a ladder-like structure arranged in a spiral thus called double-helix structure. 
• It carries genetic information . That means that it has all the information and instructions that a living organism requires to grow, reproduce and function.
• Each cell contains chromosomes which are made of protein and a single molecule of DNA. 

Gene

• Gene is a segment of a DNA molecule .
• It carries the information that determines your traits .
• This information codes for proteins that display these traits.
• A gene is the basic unit of heredity in a living organism.

Contribution of genes during reproduction

• As discussed in the previous section, in sexually reproducing organisms , both the parents contribute genetic material to the child equally . 
• This means that the traits in the child can resemble either parent equally .
• So we can say that for each trait in the child, there are two versions (one from each parent).

Example : If the mother has blue eyes and the father has brown eyes, the chance is that the child can have either blue or brown eyes.