Have you ever looked in the mirror and thought, "I've got my mum's eyes" or "I'm turning into my dad"?
Perhaps someone has told you that you have your grandmother's smile or your grandfather's sense of humour.
But have you ever wondered what we really inherit from our parents?
The answer is far more fascinating than many of the myths we see shared on social media.
More Than Just Looking Alike
The moment we're conceived, we inherit approximately half of our DNA from our mother and half from our father.
Within that DNA are around 20,000 genes, carrying instructions that influence everything from our height and eye colour to aspects of our health.
But our genes don't dictate every part of our lives. They provide a blueprint, not a finished building.
The Traits We Can Inherit
Genes can influence many characteristics, including:
- Eye colour
- Hair colour and texture
- Skin tone
- Height
- Blood group
- Certain personality tendencies
- Risk of developing some illnesses
Some conditions, such as the BRCA gene mutation associated with breast and ovarian cancer, can also be inherited.
As someone who carries the BRCA gene mutation myself, I've seen first-hand how understanding our genetics can help us make informed decisions about our health.
The Amazing Gift From Mum
Here's something many people don't know.
Although we inherit DNA from both parents, one tiny part of our genetic material comes almost entirely from our mother.
It's called mitochondrial DNA.
Mitochondria are tiny structures inside nearly every cell in our body. They act like miniature power stations, producing the energy our cells need to function.
Unlike the rest of our DNA, mitochondrial DNA is passed down almost exclusively from mother to child.
Every person carries a little piece of their maternal family history inside every cell.
I think that's rather wonderful.
What About Intelligence?
One of the biggest myths online is that intelligence comes mainly from your mother.
The truth is much more interesting.
Intelligence appears to be influenced by hundreds, perhaps thousands, of genes inherited from both parents.
Our education, experiences, relationships, opportunities and environment also play an enormous role in how those abilities develop.
Genes may load the gun, but our environment often pulls, or doesn't pull, the trigger.
Can We Inherit Anxiety?
Researchers believe that anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions can have a genetic component.
However, genes are only part of the story.
Life experiences, childhood relationships, trauma, resilience, sleep, exercise, stress and many other factors all shape how we respond to life's challenges.
Having a family history of anxiety doesn't mean someone is destined to experience it themselves.
We Inherit More Than Genes
Perhaps the greatest inheritance isn't found in our DNA at all.
We inherit traditions.
Values.
Stories.
Recipes.
Family sayings.
Ways of coping.
Acts of kindness.
The importance of hard work.
Or perhaps the love of writing.
My own father was a writer. He wrote books, poems, newspaper articles and even a play performed at the Alhambra Theatre in Bradford. Watching my grandson recently win first prize for a school poem made me wonder whether that passion for words has travelled through the generations, not because of one specific "writing gene", but because creativity was encouraged, celebrated and shared.
Nature Meets Nurture
As a therapist, I've always been fascinated by the relationship between nature and nurture.
Genes undoubtedly influence us.
But they don't define us.
Our choices, relationships, habits and experiences continue shaping us throughout our lives.
We are not simply the sum of our DNA.
We are the authors of our own story.
Did You Know?
- You inherit approximately 50% of your DNA from each parent.
- Mitochondrial DNA is inherited almost exclusively from your mother.
- Most characteristics are influenced by many genes working together, not a single "gene for" a trait.
- Lifestyle, environment and experiences can influence how some genes are expressed, a field of science known as epigenetics.
Our parents may write the opening chapter, but they don't write the ending. Every day, through the choices we make, we continue writing our own story.
Summary
🧪 Science Says...
Research suggests our genes influence many aspects of our health and behaviour, but they work alongside our environment, experiences and lifestyle. We inherit approximately half our DNA from each parent, while our choices throughout life continue to shape our wellbeing.
❤️ Jane Says...
Two of the greatest gifts my father gave me weren't simply the genes I inherited; it was his love for helping people and his love of writing. Watching my grandson discover that same passion reminds me that while genetics provide the blueprint, encouragement, kindness and opportunity help build the house.
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