title: The basis of heredity: a genetic primer.
abstract: Traits seen in the neonate are a direct result of the expression of genes donated by parents at the time of conception. This article discusses the configuration of genetic material in humans, explains how an individual's genetic composition is unique, and demonstrates the importance of genetic information in determining traits related to health, disease, and individuality.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond 23298-0567, USA. cmunro@gems.vcu.edu
authors.forename: C L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Munro
authors.forename: R H
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Pickler
mesh_terms: D005826:Genetics, Medical; D015894:Genome, Human; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008967:Molecular Biology