How do you know if you have the gene for a symmetrical face?

I am wondering because it seems like everybody's face is asymmetrical to some degree. Mine is a little asymmetrical, but perceiving myself from the outside, I don't know if my face is that asymmetrical or if I have that desired gene.

A better question is:
What kind of face does your partner need to have to make your kids face symetrical?

Originally Posted by hornet

A better question is:
What kind of face does your partner need to have to make your kids face symetrical?

That's a better question...? (scratching my head)

Originally Posted by Cleo

That's a better question...? (scratching my head)

Yeah... XD

there is no single gene for a "symmetrical" face. This is the result of a combination of several genes. Also significant environmental factors come into play (see "epigenetics").

Asymmetry of a face is very much in the domain of developmental biology.

I don't want to go into a complex example, but have you wondered how an embryo develops into a fetus? The initial biochemical gradients can add a subtle twist.
Also, have you ever wondered about the spots of a leopard?

Originally Posted by Snow Leopard

Asymmetry of a face is very much in the domain of developmental biology.

I don't want to go into a complex example, but have you wondered how an embryo develops into a fetus? The initial biochemical gradients can add a subtle twist.
Also, have you ever wondered about the spots of a leopard?

Sure. How do the spots form? So basicly if I have an assymetrical face, I am defected and less desirable?

Originally Posted by Cleo

Sure. How do the spots form? So basicly if I have an assymetrical face, I am defected and less desirable?

Have you ever seen a perfectly symmetrical leopard spot pattern?

Have you ever seen two leopards with the same pattern? (the answer is no, even if they are identical twins, the coat will be similar, but not identical).

Does that mean the particular leopard pattern is defective?

While not as sophisticated as say, the development of the human skull, coat patterns can show you how the expression of a few genese can interact during develoment and organise themselves to interesting patterns. Inevitably small asymmetries will occur.

The conclusion is that there is no such thing as a gene for a symmetrical face.

I've been trying to find a good video that explains it...

The 'reaction-diffusion' mechanism in simple terms means the system is dominated by two genes that code for two different pigments, which diffuse over the surface of the organism at different rates. The chemicals can also react with one another (eg one supresses the other). The patterns formed are due to a combination of the intial conditions along with the boundary conditions. In other words, whether you get spots or stripes or Giraffe patterns depends on the shape of the animal, the initial biochemical gradients as the embryo was developing and the basic biochemical properties of the pigments.

This stuff is of interest to those who are researching crainofacial development. (Warning, nerdy video):




Same principle, different cats.

I don't get what the big deal is with symmetrical faces... I have yet to see anyone with one.