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In biology lessons at school we were told how we get our unique set of genes - genotype. So, we know that there are dominant genes, they determine the appearance of the child: eye color, hair color and structure, height, etc. But what about the other characteristics, how exactly do we inherit them and do we inherit them? In this article we look at 6 amazing facts about genetics, as well as what and how is inherited to a child.
Fact 1. Genetics does not determine the sex of a child
We know that the sex of a child is determined by whether he inherits an X or Y chromosome from his father. For a long time it was believed that the answer to this question is encoded in genes. For example, if the child's father has more sisters, the child will most likely have a girl.
Not long ago, scientists from Sweden proved that gender is not determined by genes. In other words, this is pure coincidence. The study analyzed data from 4.75 million children and found no genetic influence. By the way, scientists have also proven that the gender of the first and second child is also not connected in any way - everything is determined by chance.
Fact 2. Children inherit intelligence from their mother, but it’s not that simple
The mental abilities of children are determined, among other things, by genes on the X chromosome. Since women have two X chromosomes, it is the mother who is more likely to pass on genes associated with intelligence to the baby. But it's not that simple. The British found that only 40-60% of mental abilities can be inherited, the rest is influenced by the environment.
But even here the mother plays a big role. The fact is that the non-genetic development of intelligence is influenced by the emotional connection with the mother, American scientists have already found out. According to their observations, by the age of 13, children who received support and emotional closeness had a hippocampus that was on average 10% larger than that of adolescents who were raised by “cold” mothers. And as we know, the hippocampus is responsible for memory and the response to stress.
Fact 3. Genes influence self-control, impulsivity and teenage difficulties
Child behavior and genetics are also connected. We are talking in particular about self-regulation, excitability and problem behavior in childhood. The fact is that genes influence the structure of the brain, making us susceptible to certain behavioral reactions.
As scientists have proven, the ability to take risks, self-control and impulsiveness can vary depending on a set of genes. However, such a predisposition may not manifest itself due to the favorable environment in which the child grows up.
Fact 4. The age at which the baby begins to walk is also in the genes
A recent study has shown that a child’s first steps also largely depend on genes. It was previously thought that the age at which a baby begins to walk (usually varies from 8 to 24 months) was mainly dependent on the environment, but it turned out that genetics also play a large role.
Now parents can breathe a little: late first steps are not always explained by poor care or insufficient attention. Sometimes it's just genetics.
Fact 5. If one of the parents has dimples, the child will also have them
From school lessons we remember that there are dominant and recessive genes. The latter may be stored in the genome, but not manifest, and then suddenly appear only after a few generations. But dominant genes will appear with a fairly high probability.
Dominant traits include dimples on the cheeks - if a parent has them, you can safely expect the child to have this trait as well. Dominant characteristics also include curly hair and male pattern baldness, freckles and early gray hair, a gene for intense melanin production, which is responsible for the dark color of eyes, skin and hair.
Fact 6. Genetics determines a person’s height by only 80%
Physique and height are determined mainly by heredity. However, as scientists have proven, the contribution of genetics to human growth is only 80%. The rest is determined by nutrition, environment and lifestyle.
By the way, stamina can also be inherited. Spanish researchers have found that mitochondrial DNA is passed from mother to child, which is involved in the production of oxygen cells, which the body uses during physical activity.
Fact 7. Genetics is not everything
Many traits are passed on to the child from the parents, unfortunately, those that are commonly called “bad genetics”, as well as diseases. However, most often a lot depends on lifestyle - in a favorable situation, the severity of symptoms can be quite low.
The most obvious example is teeth. A set of genes determines bite, fragility of teeth, etc. However, with poor care, their condition can be deplorable, and vice versa, with sufficient attention and care, the signs will be almost invisible.