The information to continue life resides, of course, in our genes. Each gene is a section of our DNA, and is stored in the form of chromosomes in the nucleus, the specialized compartment that encapsulates genetic material in our cells. Most of our cells contain the same entire set of genes, known collectively as our genome. Every time our cells divide, they pass on the entire genome to each of the daughter cells. The vast majority of these cells are simply part of our body and will die with it. But some of our cells will outlive our body by developing into our children—the new individuals that
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