In 1865, an Augustinian monk named Gregor Mendel discovered that individual traits of organisms are determined by genes inherited from parents. Based on the parent's recessive or dominant genes, the offspring may resemble either parent. Eye color, complexion, hair color, height: everything is based on genes, nothing is left to chance. Offspring can inherit more genes than a parent based on gene dominance; and as a result the child will look more like the single parent. Sometimes, the parents' genes are assembled and the resulting child does not resemble either parent. Genes not only determine physical traits, but also how the child is built. Some genes are more susceptible to defects or diseases, which affect the child's future. Along with genes, parents share their characteristics and mannerisms with their children simply because of interactions. Regardless of how much children fear it, everyone is, to some extent, like their parents. I look like both my father and my mother. My parents have similar characteristics; the combination of their genes makes me look like both. Immediately people always say I look a lot like my mother. But upon closer examination, some change their opinion and say that I look like my father. I have my mother's blue eyes, brown hair, nose, smile, teeth and cheekbones. My bigger forehead, lips, and complexion all come from my father. Physical traits are not just what people see, but also relate to how we are built. Many things that upset my father's stomach upset mine too. As a teenager, my mother had an accident that required her to have a hip replacement at eighteen. Due to the fact that she had this trauma so early in her life, when I was born, the doctors became concerned about my hips. In 6th grade I... middle of paper... I can't tell their apprentice exactly how to paint, but the painter's unique style appears in the apprentice's work after working with the painter. Many people I have met in my life despise how they are like their parents. Personally I like to be like my parents; it's another bond I share with them. When my mother and I argue, she turns to my father. My father and I think and act so alike that she hopes he can explain what I'm thinking. Sometimes it works, other times it doesn't; because I too am his son. Having always identified herself as “daddy's girl,” that's not always true. Even though my mother and I sometimes clash, we share many qualities. I'm grateful to be like them, not just in looks, but in both of their strong personalities. They made me the person I am today; and without that, who knows where I would be or who I would be.