This document provides an overview of DNA and genetics concepts including: - DNA is the blueprint that controls organism characteristics and is found in the nucleus. - Chromosomes contain DNA and genes which determine traits, and come in homologous pairs with one from each parent. - Humans have 23 chromosome pairs (46 total), including 22 autosomes and 1 sex chromosome pair that determines gender as XX or XY. - DNA can be extracted from cells and analyzed using karyotypes to identify chromosomes and determine gender.