Difference Between Paternal and Maternal

Paternal vs Maternal

The word “paternal” comes from the Latin word “pater” which means “father.” The suffix “al” would then mean “pertaining to.” So the word would simply mean “pertaining to a father.” On the other hand, the word “maternal” would just be vice versa. The word comes from the Latin word “mater” which means “mother.” As aforementioned, the suffix would mean “pertaining to.” So the word would simply mean “pertaining to a mother.” With this in mind, it would then be obvious that one of the differences between these two terms is the gender being referenced.

Upon knowing the basic definition of “paternal” and “maternal,” it is also very important to know the other usages of these terms. Paternal and maternal could also be associated with bonds. There are also the paternal and maternal bonds. The paternal bonds refer to the relationship between a child and a father. On the other hand, paternal bonds can also refer to the relationship between a child and a mother.

There are also such terms as “paternal chromosomes” and “maternal chromosomes.” It would already be obvious that the paternal chromosomes are from the father whereas the maternal chromosomes come from the mother. Another difference would be that paternal chromosomes can be considered heterogametic. This would mean that the paternal chromosome is able to produce X chromosomes and Y chromosomes. On the other hand, the maternal chromosomes can be considered homogametic which means that the maternal chromosome only have the X chromosomes.

SUMMARY:

1.“Paternal” is something that pertains to a father whereas “maternal” would pertain to a mother.

2.“Paternal bond” refers to the relationship between the father and his child while the “maternal bond” refers to the relationship between a mother and her child.

3.Paternal chromosomes are heterogametic while maternal chromosomes are considered homogametic.

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