Riya Baibhawi

Intelligence From Mom, Early Puberty From Father: Who Decides Your Genetic Makeup?

Have you ever been told that you look just like your mother? Or do you have a peculiar habit exactly like your father? Chances are, you have. But have you ever wondered where more vital, life-defining traits, like intelligence or the risk of developing certain diseases, come from?

You inherit traits from your parents in different ways, one of which is through dominant genes. If you inherit a dominant trait, it takes precedence in your genetic makeup. Take eye colour, for example—if one of your parents has brown eyes, a dominant trait, there is a strong chance you will too.

From intelligence to sleep patterns, our genetic makeup plays a significant role in shaping who we are. While environmental factors also contribute, many traits—both beneficial and challenging—are inherited from our parents. Here is what science reveals about genetic inheritance and its impact on health.

Studies suggest that intelligence is largely inherited from mothers due to genes found on the X chromosome. Research has shown that children’s IQs tend to correlate more closely with their mother’s than their father’s, although environmental factors also play a crucial role.

Certain genetic conditions, such as Lynch syndrome and BRCA mutations, can increase the risk of cancers like breast, ovarian, and colorectal cancer. Interestingly, a person can inherit a gene for ovarian cancer from their father, proving that gender-specific diseases are not always linked to the same-sex parent. Similarly, familial hypercholesterolemia—linked to high cholesterol levels—can be inherited from both parents, regardless of lifestyle choices.

Sleep disorders and insomnia often run in families, with research indicating a strong connection between maternal sleep patterns and those of their children. Similarly, studies suggest that children whose mothers have low serotonin levels are more likely to develop ADHD. Memory decline, particularly Alzheimer's risk, is also more strongly linked to maternal inheritance.

Metabolism and fat distribution are influenced by both parents. Research suggests that brown fat, which helps burn calories, is inherited from the mother, while the tendency to store fat—especially around organs—may come from the father. However, environmental factors like diet and lifestyle still play a key role in weight management.

Vision, Puberty And Fertility

Certain vision-related disorders, such as Stargardt disease and retinitis pigmentosa, can be passed down from either parent. Early puberty, however, has been linked to genes inherited from fathers, while fertility in women may be impacted by paternal genetics affecting egg cell development.

Male-pattern baldness has often been attributed to maternal genes, but research suggests that hair loss is influenced by multiple genetic factors from both parents, debunking the common myth.

While genetics play a major role in determining health outcomes, lifestyle choices and environmental influences also shape our well-being, making it essential to stay proactive in health management.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

Genetics

vision

Intelligence

Cancer risk

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Have you ever been told that you look just like your mother? Or do you have a peculiar habit exactly like your father? Chances are, you have. But have you ever wondered where more vital, life-defining traits, like intelligence or the risk of developing certain diseases, come from?You inherit traits from your parents in different ways, one of which is through dominant genes. If you inherit a dominant trait, it takes precedence in your genetic makeup. Take eye colour, for example—if one of your parents has brown eyes, a dominant trait, there is a strong chance you will too.Where does your intelligence come from? From intelligence to sleep patterns, our genetic makeup plays a significant role in shaping who we are. While environmental factors also contribute, many traits—both beneficial and challenging—are inherited from our parents. Here is what science reveals about genetic inheritance and its impact on health.IntelligenceStudies suggest that intelligence is largely inherited from mothers due to genes found on the X chromosome. Research has shown that children’s IQs tend to correlate more closely with their mother’s than their father’s, although environmental factors also play a crucial role.Health Risks Passed DownCertain genetic conditions, such as Lynch syndrome and BRCA mutations, can increase the risk of cancers like breast, ovarian, and colorectal cancer. Interestingly, a person can inherit a gene for ovarian cancer from their father, proving that gender-specific diseases are not always linked to the same-sex parent. Similarly, familial hypercholesterolemia—linked to high cholesterol levels—can be inherited from both parents, regardless of lifestyle choices.Sleep, Memory, And ADHDSleep disorders and insomnia often run in families, with research indicating a strong connection between maternal sleep patterns and those of their children. Similarly, studies suggest that children whose mothers have low serotonin levels are more likely to develop ADHD. Memory decline, particularly Alzheimer's risk, is also more strongly linked to maternal inheritance.Weight And MetabolismMetabolism and fat distribution are influenced by both parents. Research suggests that brown fat, which helps burn calories, is inherited from the mother, while the tendency to store fat—especially around organs—may come from the father. However, environmental factors like diet and lifestyle still play a key role in weight management.Vision, Puberty And FertilityCertain vision-related disorders, such as Stargardt disease and retinitis pigmentosa, can be passed down from either parent. Early puberty, however, has been linked to genes inherited from fathers, while fertility in women may be impacted by paternal genetics affecting egg cell development.Hair Loss And BaldnessMale-pattern baldness has often been attributed to maternal genes, but research suggests that hair loss is influenced by multiple genetic factors from both parents, debunking the common myth.While genetics play a major role in determining health outcomes, lifestyle choices and environmental influences also shape our well-being, making it essential to stay proactive in health management.