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Understanding Genes Passed Down from Dad to the babies? Understanding what traits and characteristics are inherited from fathers can be fascinating and enlightening. While much of our genetic makeup is a blend of both parents, paternal genes distinctly influence certain traits. We have learned that we inherit 50% of our DNA from our father and the other 50% from our mother, but that does not mean that each parent passes the same amount of physical traits and genetic characteristics similar to the other parent.
Several researches done on mice shows that that the mice use more DNA passes down from their father, which means genes from Dad are more likely to be “turned on”. While it’s not confirmed for all mammals, including humans, it’s possible that a similar pattern could exist. This happens because some traits are more active than others.
Another reason can be epigenetics which shows the impact of the environment on the expression of our genes. Epigenetics plays a crucial role in the way you look and how your health and wellness are. So if your dad had a healthy diet in his adolescent years then you are more likely to be born healthy and posses lower risk of heart diseases.
Introduction to Genetic Inheritance
Our genome or genetic material is made up of 46 chromosomes which are arranged in 23 pairs, many genes are present in these 43 chromosomes which carry several traits such as eye color, height, skin color, etc. We all get 23 chromosomes from our dad and the other half from our mother. Have you ever wondered how these chromosomes determine a baby’s sex? Well, the last pair of chromosomes known as the sex chromosomes decide the sex of the baby. Girls have two X chromosomes(XX) and boys have (XY) chromosomes.
Physical Traits Inherited from Fathers
While many physical traits are a mix of both parents’ genes, there are some that are specifically influenced by the father. Here’s a closer look at some of these traits.
1. Biological Sex
The sex of the baby is always considered by the father because The mother always provides an X chromosome because she has two X chromosomes (XX). The father, however, can contribute either an X or a Y chromosome, as he has one X and one Y chromosome (XY).
If the father contributes an X chromosome, the resulting combination of XX will make the baby female. On the other hand, if the father contributes a Y chromosome, the combination of XY will result in a male baby. Therefore, it is the father’s contribution of either an X or a Y chromosome that ultimately decides the baby’s sex.
2. Height
Height is another trait where paternal genes have a notable influence. While both parents contribute to their child’s height, the father’s genes tend to have a more pronounced impact on growthThe insulin-like growth factor (IGF protein), which promotes growth, is strongly expressed by paternal genes. However, maternal genes can regulate this growth, creating a balance that determines the child’s final height.
3. Y-Linked Traits (for Sons)
While Y-linked traits are inherited exclusively by sons, understanding this inheritance helps highlight the distinct roles played by paternal genes.
Traits like excessive hair growth on the outer ear, webbed toes, and certain forms of infertility are all examples of Y-linked traits passed from father to son. Although these traits do not apply to daughters, they underscore the unique genetic contributions of fathers.
4. Personality Traits
Personality is shaped by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, but certain personality traits can be inherited from the fatherBehavioral genetics has shown that genes influencing neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which affect mood and emotional regulation, can be inherited from the father. This can contribute to traits such as extroversion, introversion, and openness to experience.
5. Fat Storage
Interestingly, paternal genes also play a role in how fat is stored in the body, with fathers contributing more to the development of white fat cells, which store excess energy as fat.
While mothers contribute genes for brown fat, which burns calories, fathers are more likely to pass down genes responsible for white fat. This can influence the tendency to store fat and potentially contribute to health conditions like obesity.
6. Teeth Structure:
If the father has gaps between their teeth the baby is more likely to have them. The structure of a child’s teeth can also be inherited from their father. This includes specific traits like gap teeth or dental arrangement and other problems such as crooked teeth, cavities, and tooth decay which may also come directly from the father’s mouth. This demonstrates how a father can pass on a child’s finer morphological details.
7. Dimples:
These are dominant yet charming genetic traits that babies get from their fathers. If the father has dimples then there is a good chance the child will also have them.
8. Fingerprints:
Except for identical twins, we have heard that every human on Earth has a unique fingerprint. But the overall pattern of fingerprints is influenced by genetics, so while a child’s fingerprints may not be an exact match to their father’s, they can show similarities in the pattern and structure. So there’s a high chance that you have your fingerprint genes passed down from dad to yourself.
8. Sneezing Reflex (Achoo Syndrome)
The “Achoo” syndrome, or the reflex to sneeze when exposed to bright light, can be inherited from the father. This shows that reflexive behaviors are also passed down through generations.
Fathers significantly influence various genes passed from from dad on to their children. Key aspects include determining biological sex through the X or Y chromosome, impacting height through growth-related genes, and contributing to distinct Y-linked traits. Additionally, paternal genes play a role in personality traits, fat storage patterns, and unique physical characteristics like dimples and teeth structure. Overall, while both parents contribute to a child’s genetic makeup, certain traits are distinctly shaped by paternal inheritance.
