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.
8. Multiples
Fraternal twins — that is non-identical twins — are thought to be genetically influenced because the tendency to ovulate more than one egg at a time appears to be inherited. (Fraternal twins occur when two eggs are fertlised but two different sperm.)