Most cells in the human body have 23 pairs of chromosomes, making a total of 46. Individual sperm and egg cells, however, have just 23 unpaired chromosomes. You received half of your chromosomes from your mother's egg, and the other half from your father's sperm. Genes are sections or segments of DNA that carried on the chromosomes and determine specific human characteristics, such as height or hair color. Because each parent gives you one chromosome in each pair, you have two of every gene.
Some characteristics come from a single gene, whereas others come from gene combinations.
For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.