The Good and Bad in Sharing DNA with Your Children

Having children can be a wonderful thing. Aside from continuing your specific genealogical legacy, there are many exciting things associated with having your own biological children.

Creating offspring from your and another person’s DNA is sure to yield surprising results. You will indeed see your and the other parent’s unique traits in the children.

However, there is both a good and bad side to sharing DNA with your kids. Here are the facts:

How are Genes Passed to Children?

The customized code of DNA is the foundation for the cell to create essential proteins to help the body grow, develop, and properly function. The genes in the DNA are combined from both mother and father. They are also influenced by environmental factors and lifestyles.

Two of every gene are passed to the offspring. There are dominant and recessive genes—known as alleles. These alleles will depict which gene “wins” and is showcased in the child. The different versions of each allele results in different traits.

The Good Genes

There is a plethora of good genes. From hair and eye color to the level of empathy and compassion from the oxytocin development, genes can hereditarily be considered “good”.

Another factor to consider in good genes is overall health. Genes can determine the predisposition to medical issues. If you have “good genes”, you may have lesser odds of getting diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. Good genes can be considered the blueprint for living a healthy life.

Beauty and physical agility can be considered additional good genes. Regarding the standard of beauty, genes play large roles in physical appearance. In terms of physical appearance and stature, our ancestors coined the term “survival of the fittest”—whether or not offspring was able to survive in their environment.

The Bad Genes

Bad genes can be more complex and life-altering. Any genetic mutation to the DNA can result in what is considered to be a “bad” gene. For example, genetic codes that are damaged by hereditary elements can cause medical and health issues at birth or in the long run.

Physical deformities, disabilities, and concepts that are considered not beautiful can be known as bad genes. From a gap in between the two front teeth to missing a limb or the inability to stand and walk are genes no one wants to pass down. Mutations can cause a predisposition to medical ailments in the future and are passed down through genes from one or both parents.

Bottom Line

Although there is no true “good or bad” in DNA, there are certainly preferred genes and traits to pass down. Strength, outer beauty, and empathy can be considered good genes whereas genetic mutations, disabilities, and predisposition to hereditary diseases are bad genes.

Genes are passed from both mother and father. The dominant genes will showcase in the offspring whereas the recessive ones will take the backseat, whether they be good or bad.