MCQ Detailed View

A child inherits genes from both parents, and the contribution is exactly equal. Humans have 46 chromosomes, arranged in 23 pairs. Of these, 23 chromosomes come from the mother through the egg and 23 come from the father through the sperm. Each chromosome contains thousands of genes, which are the functional units of heredity that determine traits such as eye color, height, blood type, and even susceptibility to certain diseases.

This equal distribution ensures that children inherit a balanced mix of genetic material, allowing them to have traits from both parents. For example, one gene from the mother and one from the father form a gene pair, which may be dominant or recessive. The combination of these genes determines specific characteristics in the child.

The process of inheritance is governed by Mendelian genetics, discovered by Gregor Mendel. His laws of segregation and independent assortment explain how gene pairs separate and combine during reproduction. During meiosis, the reproductive cells (egg and sperm) are formed, each carrying only half the genetic material of the parent. When fertilization occurs, the two halves combine to restore the full set of 46 chromosomes.

It is important to note that even though genes are equally contributed, the expression of traits can vary due to dominant and recessive alleles, gene interactions, and environmental factors. This explains why siblings from the same parents can look different, despite inheriting the same number of genes.

In summary, an equal number of genes is inherited from each parent, making the child genetically related to both parents equally. Understanding this principle is essential in biology, genetics, medicine, and agriculture, as it explains the inheritance of physical traits, genetic disorders, and the diversity of life.