How come some traits are chosen and not others? I mean, that has baffled me since I don't know when!
2007-10-31 17:30:59 · 4 answers · asked by Bob the Builder Woman 1 in Health ➔ Other - Health
There are two elements to what creates a trait, trait dominance and genetics.
Trait Dominance: Basically, every person has two pieces of DNA that correspond to each personal trait, one piece from their mother and one from their father. Sometimes, both DNA pieces say to display the same trait. However, sometimes, the DNA pieces for a trait will be different. In these cases, the dominant trait will be shown usually. This is why most people have dark hair and dark eyes (both of which are dominant traits).
Genetics: When an egg or sperm is formed by meiosis, only half of the parent's DNA is transferred to the egg/sperm. Thus, each parent passes on only half of his/her trait information to the offspring, one piece of DNA for each trait. That is how the new kid ends up with two pieces of DNA for each trait. However, because each parent has a 50/50 chance of passing on a recessive trait, it is possible for the child of two parents with dominant traits to have a recessive trait (ex. two parents with brown hair have a red-headed child because each parent passed on a recessive gene for red hair).
If you want more information, try looking up "Mendel" or "phenotype" in a search engine.
2007-10-31 17:47:46 · answer #1 · answered by dlb_blair 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only natures timing decides where the dice roll.
2007-11-01 00:34:14 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
the easiest answer is the dominant/recessive trait in genes...eye color is the easiest to see...example...brown is a dominant color...blue recessive..so a blue and brown gene would = brown eyes..but..the human genome is comprised of roughly 50,000 genes that can combine in almost infinite combinations(billions)...this decides everything about who you will be..your mom has 50,000 gene combinations and so does your dad...these all mix and match in that wonderful cycle we call life and produce who you are...from your skin ,hair, eye color....all the way down to the microscopic level of your development
2007-11-01 00:47:48 · answer #3 · answered by maizee_713 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is random.
2007-11-01 00:38:02 · answer #4 · answered by Howard H 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋