Two parents, two versions

The idea

Father and mother contribute practically equal amounts of genetic material to the offspring, so each trait can be influenced by both paternal and maternal DNA and every individual has two versions of each trait.

A child's traits

A child gets genetic material from its father and from its mother.

How do the amounts from the two parents compare?

• They are practically equal
• The mother gives much more
• The father gives much more

Father and mother

Press Next step.

Equal contributions

Both parents give practically equal amounts of genetic material. So a trait can be influenced by the DNA of the father and the DNA of the mother.

The father and mother contribute practically equal amounts of genetic material to the offspring. So each trait can be influenced by both paternal and maternal DNA, and every individual has two versions of each trait.

Notes

Father and mother give practically equal genetic material, so each trait can be influenced by paternal and maternal DNA, with two versions of each trait.

Check yourself

How much genetic material do the father and the mother each contribute to a child?

How many versions of each trait does a child have?

Answer: 2

One version is influenced by the father's DNA and one by the mother's DNA, so there are 2 versions of each trait.

A trait in a child can be influenced by…

• The mother contributes much more. Both parents contribute practically equal amounts of genetic material.
• Practically equal amounts — correct. Yes!
• The father contributes much more. Both parents contribute practically equal amounts of genetic material.
• the mother's DNA alone. The father also contributes practically equal genetic material, so his DNA can influence the trait too.
• the father's DNA alone. The mother also contributes practically equal genetic material, so her DNA can influence the trait too.
• both paternal and maternal DNA — correct. Yes!