Gene genie: 8 ways parents’ genes influence a baby’s appearance and character
If you’re pregnant or have a very small child, you might be interested to know how your genes will affect your little one. So let us take you through the basics.
When sperm meets egg your baby’s first cell is formed and begins multiplying into trillions of cells like a champ. In the process they inherit 23 chromosomes from each parent (or 46 chromosomes in total.) One pair of genes determines sex. Other genes help determine other characteristics in your child. Some genes will be dominant and while others are recessive. This gene cocktail combines to create your unique little human.
2. Dimples
Dimples are thought to be another gene-transmitted trait, with the cute facial feature often seen in generation after generation. That said, some experts say there is no scientific proof that genes are responsible for dimples. But the proof may be in the dimples exhibited by babies, their parents and their grandparents.