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Your mom’s genes account for 50% of your DNA, and your father’s genes account for the other 50%. Learn about which traits you are more likely to inherit from your parents
In theory, 50% of your DNA comes from your mom’s genes and 50% comes from your dad’s genes. However, some genes are more highly expressed than others, depending on factors such as environmental factors and individual gene characteristics.
Additionally, mitochondrial DNA is exclusively inherited from the mother irrespective of the baby’s sex or environment.
What traits do you inherit from your mom’s genes?
Studies suggest that certain traits tend to be inherited more from your mother than from your father.
For example, the genetic tendency to gain more “brown fat”—good fat around your abdomen—comes from your mother. The more brown fat you have, the higher your metabolism and the better your ability to lose weight. Conversely, genes associated with “white fat” come from your father. The more white fat you have, the higher your tendency to gain weight.
Similarly, the genes associated with intelligence are inherited from your mother, while the genes that determine your sex are inherited from your father.
What are genes made of?
Genes are made of DNA, which is present on the chromosomes of every cell in your body. Combinations of certain chemicals in your DNA create different codes that determines certain traits such as eye color, body type, and the inheritance of certain medical conditions
Your genes also provide instructions to your body to perform certain functions, such as protein metabolism. Sometimes, a gene contains a change (mutation) that disrupts these instructions and leads to a wide range of conditions. These genetic mutations can occur spontaneously (no known cause), or they can be inherited.
Each person has about 20,000 to 25,000 genes. Each normal cell has 46 chromosomes, which come in pairs as 23 pairs of chromosomes.
- The 22 pairs of chromosomes are called autosomes and are the same in males and females.
- The 23rd pair is called sex chromosomes. Females have two X chromosomes, and males have one X chromosome and one Y chromosome.
What is a genetic disorder and how does it occur?
A genetic disorder occurs when a gene (or genes) has a problem with its code or undergoes mutations. You can inherit the problematic gene or genetic mutation from one or both of your parents. In some cases, however, you have it even if neither of your parents have it.
If you have parents who are related to each other, you are at greater risk of genetic disorders. This is because when two parents share one or more common ancestors, they carry identical faulty genes. If both partners carry the same mutation, their children are more likely to have a genetic condition.
Other than genetic mutations, genetic disorders may be caused by other factors:
- Part of the chromosome is missing
- Genes shift from one chromosome to another
- There is an extra chromosome
- A chromosome is missing
- There are too few or too many sex chromosomes
Who should undergo genetic counseling and testing?
If you have a family history of blood disorders or certain cancers (cancers of the breast, kidney, or intestine), you should consider genetic testing. Couples who may be related should also get genetic testing before planning for pregnancy.
If any of your family members has been diagnosed with a genetic condition, you can undergo genetic counseling. Genetic counselors can help you understand a particular genetic condition, its causes, and how it can affect you and your family. They can also recommend tests that can determine the likelihood of you or your children inheriting the genetic disorder.
