DNA

DNA is like a special recipe book for your body. It is found inside almost every cell you have. DNA tells your body what color your eyes will be and how tall you might get. Every person has their own unique DNA.

What DNA Looks Like

DNA has a shape like a twisted ladder. Scientists call this shape a double helix. The ladder is made of four tiny building blocks that make a code. This code gives your body all its instructions.

A close-up drawing of DNA and its twisted ladder shape.
A close-up drawing of DNA and its twisted ladder shape. (Zephyris / Wikimedia Commons)

Why DNA Matters

DNA is passed from parents to their kids. That is why you may look like your mom or dad. Small parts of DNA are called genes, and they control different traits. DNA also helps doctors learn about diseases.

Fun Facts

  • If you stretched out all the DNA in your body, it would reach the sun and back many times.
  • People share about 99.9 percent of their DNA with each other.
  • Humans share about 60 percent of their DNA with bananas.

Did You Know?

DNA was discovered in 1953 by scientists James Watson and Francis Crick. Rosalind Franklin also helped find its shape.