Thanking mom for her contributions, down to the molecular level

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — As we get ready to pay tribute to moms this weekend, it’s important to recognize her contributions right down to the molecular level.

DNA not only determines some traits, it is a direct link to the dawn of humanity.

During reproduction, half of a child’s DNA comes from their father and half from their mother. However, the child always receives their mtDNA from their mother.

You can’t talk about Mom without talking about the mitochondria or the powerhouse of the cell.

Although most of our DNA is kept in the nucleus of each cell, mitochondria have their own set of DNA that gets handed down from generation to generation through mom.

Because of this, mtDNA has proven very useful for tracing genetic lines.

MtDNA analysis is what determined that humans likely originated in Africa around 200,000 years ago and we’re all descended from a common ancestor, known as mitochondrial Eve.

Mutations of mtDNA over time, have created distinct lineages that continue to evolve as long as there are daughters.

Many genetic conditions can be passed along as well through mtDNA, making it critical to know what’s in your family tree.

“That’s why family history is important. You get a family history and maybe you have a history of various types of cancers, you have to at least talk to your primary care doctor to see if this is something to be worried about,” said Director of Genetics at Lifespan, Dr. Chanika Phornphutkul.

Mom also gave us our X chromosome. Where females have 2 X chromosomes, males have an X and a Y.

Color blindness is a recessive trait linked to the X chromosome. Males are especially affected since they do not have another X chromosome to counteract this feature, letting the recessive trait dominate.

Moms are also more likely to pass along traits like hair color, hair texture, hairline, skin, and even likelihood of varicose veins.

One more way Mom has influenced your life is your intelligence.

Socioeconomic background and education level are factors, but a study conducted in Scotland discovered the best predictor of intelligence was the mother’s IQ.

The IQs of participants in the study scored within 15 points of their mothers.

This tracks, after all, a mother always knows.