What Common Traits Do You Get Through Shared DNA?

DNA has been studied for years. Genealogists aim to find all the intricate links between us and our ancestors.

Now, at-home DNA tests have been made available. You can submit your very own unique DNA sample to be analyzed.

So what common traits do we share through DNA? Here is everything you need to know:

What Does DNA Do?

DNA—or deoxyribonucleic acid—can be found in virtually every cell in the body. DNA is the genetic foundational map for each individual based on their unique genes. DNA carries the essential body functions in order to:

·       Develop

·       Grow

·       Reproduce

·       Function

DNA is comprised of half of the mother’s DNA and half of the father’s DNA. The child will receive specific genes from both parents which include proteins that are essential for the growth of the child and the body’s functioning.

What are Traits?

Traits are distinguishing characteristics or qualities that belong to a person. They are typically passed down hereditarily or by environmental influence.

Traits can include:

·       Height

·       Blood pressure

·       Eye color

·       Hair color

·       And more

Traits are passed by both mother and father. There are two types of traits: dominant and recessive.

Dominant trait

The dominant trait refers to the two passed-down versions of a gene, one from each parent. The individual receives two versions of each gene—also known as alleles. The dominant trait requires only one copy of the allele to showcase the trait in the offspring.

Recessive trait

The recessive trait refers to the two inherited versions of the alleles. The recessive trait is the opposite of the dominant trait. Therefore, when the two genes from both parents are received in the offspring, the one that is not expressed is the recessive trait.

What Common Traits Do You Get from Shared DNA?

Beyond the most basic of traits shared with others who possess the same DNA—hair and eye color, height, etc.—there are more common traits you get from shared DNA. For example, your empathy and kindness can be determined by your specific DNA. This comes from the specific gene that produces oxytocin—or the “love hormone”.

The wanderlust gene is also hereditary. Therefore, if one of your parents loves to travel, you may be hereditarily inclined to want to travel as well. Around 20% of people in the world possess this unique gene.

Musical talents are another DNA-riddled commonality with people who share DNA. Researchers suggest that between 40 and 70% of musical abilities are indeed hereditary and passed through the genes.

Bottom Line

When you share DNA with someone, there is a great chance you possess many of the same traits. Traits can spawn well beyond the basic hair and eye color, weight, and predisposition to medical diagnoses.

Shared and passed-on traits can be as specific as musical ability, empathy and kindness, and whether or not you are a wanderlust. DNA is such an incredible thing.