Humans procreate in a unique way that allows them to combine DNA with another individual. This process is called sexual reproduction. During this act, a male’s sperm cell enters a female’s egg cell and the two merge together. This cell duplicates itself to grow through a process known as mitosis. This clump of cells grows and grows until it forms a fetus, then a baby. By the time the baby is pushed from the womb, it is fully developed. Fingers, toes, eyes, teeth: it contains all of the parts that make us human. But something is amiss; the baby doesn’t quite resemble the father. While some may assume this to be infidelity, it may just be a matter of genetics. Children resemble their parents, but they also have unique features.
Why aren’t children identical to their parents if they’re made from only their parents’ cells? This can be easily explained through meiosis. Meiosis is a process involving the duplication of sex cells to create genetic diversity. During the very first step in meiosis, chromosomes containing some of one parent’s genes cross with one another, exchanging genetic information. This exchange is what allows the child to appear differently to the mother or father. Not only this, but the child may gain genetic information from their grandparents or great grandparents through the mother or father. Families are unique in the fact that each generation has incredibly similar genetic patterns. If a grandmother has orange hair, she could have a brunette daughter, but an orange-haired grandson. Certain traits pass over generations. It’s an incredibly fascinating process.
Another way for a child’s appearance to differ from the parents is through mutation. At any stage in DNA replication, random base pairs can change. The base pairs are A and T, and G and C. If an A randomly decides to become a C, it messes up that entire gene. A variety of changes on a handful of genes may affect eye color, but a single change on one gene may cause a child to inherit a genetic condition. One example of this is sickle cell anemia. This disease is caused by a mutation in the HBB gene and affects hemoglobin levels in the blood. As a result, the red blood cells take on an odd, sickle-like shape. Mutations are, unfortunately, not able to be stopped and usually cannot be predicted. If there is any concern about genetic disorders, it’s important to discuss with a genetic counselor before or during pregnancy.
As a child grows, you may notice changes in appearance. While this may be attributed to puberty, it can also be caused by the environment. In the same way someone with more sun exposure tans, children are susceptible to adaptation to their environments. For example, if a child is not being fed properly, growth may be stunted. These changes may be subtle, or they can be extremely noticeable. Many children experience a change in hair color or hair texture as they age and hit puberty. It’s not uncommon for blonde children to grow into a brunette, or for someone with straight hair to suddenly have wavy hair. Not all physical changes and conditions can be predicted from just genetics alone. Nature and nurture both play a role in a child’s overall health and wellness.
Children have features unique to themselves. Whether it’s as a result of genetics or environment, parents are continually surprised when their children contain traits not often seen in their families. Genetics are special because they recombine randomly, allowing a child to take on characteristics that are different to their parents. While some of these can be traced back to older generations, occasionally one will appear spontaneously via mutations. Sometimes, the environment is what changes appearance. A brunette becomes a blonde with continuous sun exposure, for example. The visible parts of a person are a unique combination curated by their parents and their environment. Celebrate what makes you different!
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