Intelligence In Children Is Inherited From Their Mother Not Father, Says A New Research
Source:�independent | Image Courtesy: angeladona
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[Note: The source of the article is independent.uk, it seems there are many reports which counter the research done. We apologise for the inadvertent error if any]

A mother’s genetics determines how clever her children are, and it is not at all dependent on the father. Intelligence genes are more likely to transmit from women to their children because they carry the X chromosome and women have two of these, while men have only one.

Scientists also believe that genes for advanced cognitive functions which are inherited from the father may be automatically deactivated.

“Conditioned genes”, a specific category of genes are thought to work only if they come from the mother in some cases and the father in other cases. Mother is the carrier of the specific conditioned genes that include intelligence.

Studies were conducted in laboratories on genetically modified mice. These studies found that those with an extra dose of maternal genes developed bigger heads and brains, but had little bodies. On the other hand, those with an extra dose of paternal genes had small brains and larger bodies.

Cells with paternal genes involved in functions such as sex, food and aggression. But researchers did not find any paternal cells in the cerebral cortex, which is where the most advanced cognitive functions take place, such as reasoning, thought, language and planning.

Researchers in Glasgow took a more human approach to exploring intelligence. They interviewed 12,686 young people between the ages of 14 and 22 every year from 1994. Although they took into account several factors, from the participants education to their race and socio-economic status, the team still found that the best predictor of intelligence was the IQ of the mother.

However, research also makes it clear that genetics are not the only determinant of intelligence – only 40 to 60 per cent of intelligence is estimated to be hereditary, leaving a similar chunk dependent on the environment.

In the University of Washington, researchers found that a healthy emotional bond between a mother and child is crucial for the growth of some parts of the brain. After analysing the way a group of mothers related to their children for seven years, the researchers found children who were supported emotionally had a more active brain associated with memory, learning and stress response.

A strong bond with the mother is thought to give a child a sense of security which allows them to explore the world, and the confidence to solve problems. In addition, devoted, attentive mothers tend to help children solve problems, further helping them to reach their potential.

The researchers also concluded that traits like intuition and emotions, which are important to develop intelligence, are acquired from the father.

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Editor : The Logical Indian

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