Genes and babies

Genes are chemical codes that control the way every cell in the body works. A gene is a minute unit of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) carried on a chromosome, which is also made up of DNA. In every boy cell, there are at least 50,000 unique genes. Half of baby's genes come from his mother, via the egg, half come from his father, via the sperm - he's a unique mix of both.

Dominant genetic and gender-linked diseases

Inside the nucleus of each cell are the genes and chromosomes that control how the body develops and functions. Genetic diseases happen when genes and chromosomes are abnormal.
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What is a gene?

Genes influence and direct the growth and function of everything in the human body. They control the pattern for growth, survival, and reproduction, and account for variations in height, hair and eye colour, body shape, and gender.
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Genetic counselling

Very few couples will need genetic counselling but if you do, the main aim is to discover how great a risk you run of passing on an inheritable disease to your child. Perhaps you're worried because you or your partner have a blood relative (including, perhaps, a previous child) who has suffered...
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