2. Genetics Genetic material is found in the nucleus of living cells.

3. Genetics If we look closer into the nucleus we can actually see the genetic material as chromosomes. Although chromosomes appear short and fat, they are actually very long strands that are tightly coiled.

5. Genetics When we look closer still, we find that chromosomes are complex structures made of molecules of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).

6. Genetics DNA contains all the information required to build a living organism. Each chromosome is made up of two long DNA molecules. The two molecules are twisted around each other forming a double helix.

7. Genetics Within the long strands of DNA we find genes. A gene is a section of the DNA that contains the code for a specific inherited trait. Every organism is unique because they have different combinations of genes.

8. Genetics An allele is an alternative form of a gene. Cow #1 may have the Brown allele of the eye colour gene. Cow #2 may have the Blue allele of the eye colour gene.