Genes are passed down from the chromosomes that are needed in order to form living things. Without chromosomes, it will be impossible for living things to form. The chromosomes come in pairs.
In fact, people are expected to have 23 pairs of chromosomes. Some people may not have 23 pairs especially if they form certain conditions. One strand of chromosome comes from the mother while the other strand comes from the father.
The genes can be compared to the ingredients that you will use for cooking. Every ingredient that you place will have a significant role in how a living thing is going to look like. People and other living things are different because of the different mixtures of genes that occur.