Having dimples when neither of your parents do is possible, though perhaps less likely. Here's why:
The Genetics of Dimples
Dimples are generally considered a dominant genetic trait, but the exact way they're inherited is more complex than a simple dominant/recessive pattern. It's not fully understood.
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Dominant Trait, Complex Inheritance: While dimples are often described as dominant, meaning you only need one copy of the "dimple gene" to express the trait, the fact that individuals with no dimpled parents sometimes have dimples suggests incomplete dominance or other genetic factors are at play.
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Possible Scenarios:
- Both parents are carriers: Your parents might both carry a recessive gene that contributes to dimple formation, even if they don't have dimples themselves. A combination of these genes could result in dimples for you.
- Spontaneous Mutation: Though rare, a new genetic mutation could have occurred that resulted in dimples.
- Incomplete Penetrance/Variable Expressivity: One (or both) of your parents might actually have the gene for dimples, but it isn't expressed (incomplete penetrance) or is expressed so subtly that they aren't noticeable (variable expressivity). They might have very faint or temporary dimples you've never seen.
- Multigene inheritance: Dimples may result from the interaction of multiple genes rather than a single one. This would make the patterns of inheritance more complex and less predictable.
Likelihood Based on Parental Dimples:
According to research, the probability of having dimples depends on your parents' dimple status:
- One dimpled parent: A 25% to 50% chance of having dimples.
- Two dimpled parents: A 50% to 100% chance of having dimples.
(Source: Information based on a 2015 review in the Innovative Journal of Medical and Health Science.)
Summary:
While it's more common to have dimples if at least one parent does, it's entirely possible to have them even if your parents don't. This can occur through a combination of complex genetic inheritance patterns, where both parents carry recessive "dimple genes," a spontaneous genetic mutation, or incomplete penetrance of the trait in one or both parents.
