We all know that our children will inherit features and talents from both their Mom and Dad, but how far do human genetics actually go? Although we wish we could pick and choose which traits we get to pass down to our kids, the reality is that biology has other ideas and sometimes it’s more of a lottery (Jada Pinkett and Will Smith seem to be one of the few couples that have got this right!).
So how does genetics and inheritance actually work? The first person to describe the ways in which traits are passed down through the family tree was Gregor Mendel. He explained that half of a child’s DNA would come from each parent, while half of the parents DNA will be passed to each child. This means that specific traits can skip generations completely and only become visible in the next generation (like red hair for example).
1. Physical Features
Do you have your Mom’s green eyes? Or your Dad’s smile? Every cell in our body carries a different gene, which consists of our DNA. A mutation occurs when there is a change in the sequence of a DNA molecule and this may change the way in which a trait is depicted in a person.
Our physical features, namely our hair colour, eye colour and skin colour, are all passed on from our parents and are also contributed to by previous generations. This process happens when the egg is fertilised by the sperm.
2. Diseases and Conditions
Besides the obvious physical features, human genetics means that our family histories have been programmed with a set of codes that are passed down from one generation to the next. If conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, alcoholism, obesity, or even Alzheimer’s run in your family then there is a chance that it may be passed down to your children.
3. Talents
Genetics and inheritance do have some influence on the abilities and talents that our children will inherit. New research has confirmed that inheritance doesn’t only happen through DNA though, but also through epigenetic inheritance. This means that a parent’s experiences can be passed down to their children too.
If both parents happen to be musicians for example, then the chances are that their child will inherit a natural talent for playing a musical instrument or singing. However, if the art is not taught to the child or used and practised often, then it may as well be useless. So when it comes to human genetics and specific talents, it’s very much a case of “use it or lose it!”.
Is a child’s life solely determined by their parents
While it’s true that genetics and inheritance play a part in determining our physical characteristics, health conditions and talents, ultimately people are responsible for creating themselves. Genes do not determine how we live our lives and genetic codes can be altered.
Eating styles, exercise, stress management, communication with others, and the way we approach life affects our DNA and our bodies in a major way. So although you may moan about inheriting your mother’s cellulite or your father’s premature baldness, you also need to take some responsibility for how you manage both your health and overall lifestyle.
Now that you know more about human genetics, another way of being responsible for your health is to take out a medical aid plan that will cover costs relating to hospital visits or even day-to-day medical expenses. Read more about the medical aid options available from Fedhealth.
The information on Fedhealth Medical Aid is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.
Sources: nature.com, geneticseducation.nhs.uk, telegraph.co.uk, learn.genetics.utah.edu
DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.
