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Genes in Common

Seeing Color

Genes on Board

Are You a Supertaster?

Unique You!

Spool DNA @ Home

Unique You!


Unique You!

What makes you unique? Your genes? The things you do, see, eat, think—in other words, your life experiences? In fact, all of the above are right. The unique combination of genes you got from your mom and dad determined many things about you, from the color of your eyes to the size of your feet. But the music you listen to, foods you like, things you learn, and other life experiences are just as important in making you unique.

Which things about you are mostly genetic, and which are due to your life experiences? Answer the questions below to get some ideas!

  • What color are your eyes?

    __________________________________________________

  • What is your favorite color?

    __________________________________________________

  • Can you curl up the sides of your tongue?

    __________________________________________________

  • What is your favorite food?

    __________________________________________________

  • Are your earlobes attached to your head, or unattached?

    __________________________________________________

  • What radio station do you listen to?

    __________________________________________________

  • Do you have dimples when you smile?

    __________________________________________________

  • What's the funniest movie you've ever seen?

    __________________________________________________

  • Are you allergic to anything?

    __________________________________________________

  • What is your least favorite food?

    __________________________________________________

  • What color is your hair?

    __________________________________________________

  • Which answers seem like things that are mostly genetic?

    __________________________________________________

Print out other copies of these questions and give them to your friends and family members. How do their answers compare to yours?


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This project was supported by a Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA) from the NCRR, NIH. Its content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of NCRR or NIH

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