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.
4. Hair colour
Genes oversee hair colour as well, creating a recipe that combines DNA from both parents and their extended families to determine whether you get a little red head or a blondie or brunette. Hair colour is dependent on two types of melanin pigment, and the hair colour your child ends up is steered by genes and determined by which pigment is stronger.