Genes are tiny units of heredity found in our cells that carry the instructions for making proteins, which are essential for our body's functions. They are made up of DNA, a long molecule that contains the information needed to build and maintain living organisms. Each gene can influence traits like eye color, height, and even some aspects of our health. Every person has two copies of each gene, one inherited from their mother and one from their father. This combination of genes contributes to our unique characteristics. Understanding genes helps scientists study genetics and develop treatments for various diseases, making it a crucial area of research.