Yes, you absolutely have your parents' DNA. You inherit genetic material from both your mother and your father.
How Much DNA Do You Share With Each Parent?
According to genetic studies, you inherit approximately 50% of your DNA from each parent. This equates to roughly 3700 centimorgans (cM).
Here's a breakdown:
- From Your Mother: You receive about 50% of your DNA, which includes mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) that's exclusively inherited from your mother.
- From Your Father: You also receive about 50% of your DNA. Males also inherit the Y chromosome solely from their fathers.
Factors Affecting the Exact Percentage
While it's generally stated as 50% from each parent, the actual percentage may vary slightly due to the specific genetic contributions:
| Parent | DNA Contribution |
|---|---|
| Mother | ~50% |
| Father | ~50% |
It's important to note that the percentage isn't always exactly 50% because certain parts of your DNA are inherited exclusively from one parent.
