When it comes to genetics, we inherit half of our DNA from our mother and half from our father. While many traits are influenced by both parents, some fascinating genetic traits are exclusively inherited from our fathers. Let’s take a closer look at some of these traits, including the shape of our teeth.
Fascinating Genetic Traits You Inherit Exclusively from Your Father
Every person alive is a blend of traits they receive from their biological parents. Some you get from your biological mom, and others from your dad. While there are plenty of other characteristics and personality traits that are learned, and one may learn from non-biological parents, family members, and peers, what we are talking about is a genetic expression – what’s in your DNA that you can only get from the people whose egg (ova) and sperm created you.
Scientists have discovered that there are certain traits that we only receive from our biological father’s DNA. These are things related to our teeth, hair, and even intelligence. Here are some of the traits that you will have received from your biological father’s side and also that your children will receive from their biological father’s side.
Crooked or Straight Teeth
The shape and alignment of our teeth are largely determined by genetics. In fact, research has shown that certain genes are responsible for the development of teeth and their alignment. One of these genes is the homeobox gene, which is located on the X chromosome and is inherited exclusively from our fathers.
This means that if your father has straight teeth, you are also more likely to have straight teeth. On the other hand, if your father has crooked teeth, you may also inherit this trait. Of course, environmental factors such as diet and oral hygiene can also play a role in the development of dental issues, but genetics certainly play a significant role. The research is also mixed, and often it can depend on jaw size and shape and many other factors, which you could inherit from either parent. (1)
Hair Growth Patterns
Another genetic trait that is exclusively inherited from our fathers is our hair growth patterns. The androgen receptor gene, which is located on the X chromosome, is responsible for the distribution of hair on our bodies. This gene is inherited from our fathers, which is why we often inherit our hair growth patterns from them. That being said, the science here is still murky, and you can get your hair from one or both of your parents. (2)
Read: Nutrigenomics: Can you eat can reprogram your genes?
Baldness
Male pattern baldness is a common genetic trait that is inherited from our fathers. This condition is caused by a gene called the androgen receptor gene, which is located on the X chromosome. If your father has male pattern baldness, there is a good chance that you may also inherit this trait. Male pattern baldness refers to the receding hairline at the temples and the thinning of hair on the crown of the head. This condition is typically seen in men but can also occur in women. Again, however, the science isn’t 100% on this. You are more likely to experience hair loss if your family on either side does. If both sides of your family have thick heads of hair until their dying day, then you are likely in the clear.
Height
While both parents play a role in determining our height, research has shown that our father’s height is a better predictor of our own height. This is because genes responsible for height are located on the X chromosome, inherited from our fathers. All of this said genetics aren’t the only things that affect how tall you grow. There are environmental factors, such as childhood nutrition, that also have an impact. (3)
Your Biological Sex
In a very simplistic explanation, women carry two ‘x’ chromosomes, whereas men carry one ‘x’ and one ‘y’. When a baby is conceived, the baby receives one of the mother’s x chromosomes, and then it receives either another x from the father or a y. This determines the biological sex of the baby. This is why it is said that you inherit your biological sex from your father’s genetics, not your mother’s. (4)
The Ability To Become A Father
Recent research shows that men who were conceived using In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) are more likely to then also experience fertility problems themselves. This is important for men who are trying to have a baby to be aware of. If they and their partner are trying without success to have a baby, this could be a potential reason why. (5)
The Bottom Line
Genetics are complex, and even scientists will admit that we still know very little about them in the grand scheme of things. There are many fascinating genetic traits that we inherit exclusively from both our fathers and our mothers. While we cannot control the genes we inherit from our parents, understanding these traits can help us better understand ourselves and our family history. So the next time you look in the mirror, take a moment to appreciate the fascinating genetic traits that make you who you are.
Keep Reading: 8 Things to Do the Moment You Start Feeling Sick
Sources
- “Crooked Teeth — Is It More Than Just Genetics?” KC Dental. February 9, 2013.
- “How to Fight the Baldness Gene (and Other Factors)” Healthline. Daniel Yetman. November 24, 2020
- “Is Height Genetic? Yes and No.” Healthline. Kristeen Cherney. December 11, 2020.
- “Determining biological sex in offspring.” Up To Date
- “Long-term follow-up of children conceived through assisted reproductive technology.” NCBI. Yue-hong Lu, et al. May 2013.