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What do baby girls inherit from their mother?

Published in Genetics 2 mins read

Baby girls inherit half of their chromosomes from their mothers. These chromosomes carry genes, which are responsible for various traits and characteristics.

What are Chromosomes?

Chromosomes are thread-like structures found in the nucleus of every cell in our body. They are made up of DNA, which contains the genetic code that determines our traits. Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes, with one chromosome from each pair coming from the mother and the other from the father.

What do baby girls inherit from their mother?

Baby girls inherit one X chromosome from their mother and one X chromosome from their father. This is different from boys, who inherit one X chromosome from their mother and one Y chromosome from their father.

Examples of Inherited Traits

Here are some examples of traits that baby girls can inherit from their mothers:

  • Eye color: The genes responsible for eye color are located on chromosomes. If a mother has brown eyes and carries the gene for blue eyes, her daughter might inherit the blue eye gene.
  • Hair color: Similar to eye color, hair color is also determined by genes. A mother with blonde hair could pass on the gene for blonde hair to her daughter.
  • Height: While several factors influence height, genetics play a significant role. A mother's genes can influence her daughter's potential height.
  • Certain diseases: Some diseases are inherited through genes. If a mother carries a gene for a specific disease, her daughter has a chance of inheriting it.

It's important to note that inheritance is complex, and not all traits are solely determined by genes. Environmental factors and lifestyle choices also play a role.

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