Introduction
Genes are inherited from both parents. However, there are certain genes that are exclusively inherited from the mother. These genes are known as maternal genes and they are responsible for a variety of traits and characteristics in an individual. In this article, we will discuss the types of genes that are inherited from the mother only.
Types of Maternal Genes
There are two main types of genes that are inherited from the mother only: mitochondrial genes and X-linked genes.
Mitochondrial Genes: Mitochondrial genes are located in the mitochondria, which are tiny structures inside cells. These genes are only passed from the mother to her child because the mitochondria are only found in the egg cells of the mother. Mitochondrial genes are responsible for a variety of traits, including physical traits and metabolic functions.
X-Linked Genes: X-linked genes are located on the X chromosome. As females have two X chromosomes, they can pass X-linked genes onto their child. Males, on the other hand, only have one X chromosome, so they cannot pass X-linked genes onto their child. X-linked genes are responsible for a variety of traits, including blood disorders and some physical traits.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are certain genes that are inherited from the mother only. These genes are known as maternal genes and they include mitochondrial genes and X-linked genes. Mitochondrial genes are responsible for a variety of traits, including physical traits and metabolic functions, while X-linked genes are responsible for a range of traits, including blood disorders and some physical traits.