In human genetics, which of the following relationships correctly describes the relative amounts of genetic material contributed by the father and the mother to their child?

Introduction / Context:
Human offspring inherit genetic material from both parents through their gametes. The father contributes sperm and the mother contributes the ovum. Understanding the relative contribution of genetic material helps clarify basic principles of heredity and the reason why children resemble both parents. This question asks you to identify the correct relationship between the contributions of the father and the mother.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We consider typical human reproduction involving one sperm and one ovum.
• The term genetic material refers primarily to nuclear DNA in chromosomes.
• Options describe whether the father contributes more, less, equal, or an undetermined amount of genetic material.
• We ignore small differences such as mitochondrial DNA that is mostly maternal, because exam questions commonly focus on nuclear DNA.

Concept / Approach:
Humans are diploid organisms with two sets of chromosomes in each somatic cell. Gametes (sperm and ovum) are haploid, carrying one set of chromosomes. The sperm provides one set of 23 chromosomes, and the ovum provides another set of 23 chromosomes. When fertilization occurs, these sets combine to form a diploid zygote with 46 chromosomes. Thus, with respect to nuclear DNA, the father and the mother contribute equal amounts of genetic material. Although the ovum also contributes cytoplasmic components and mitochondria, exam questions about basic heredity typically emphasize equal nuclear contributions.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Remember that each parent provides one haploid set of chromosomes via their gametes.Step 2: The father's sperm contains 23 chromosomes and the mother's ovum also contains 23 chromosomes.Step 3: At fertilization, these two sets combine to form a zygote with 46 chromosomes, so each parent has contributed one half of the nuclear genetic material.Step 4: Examine option C, which states that father and mother contribute equal amounts of nuclear genetic material. This matches the reasoning above.Step 5: Reject options that suggest much more or much less contribution from either parent, because they do not agree with the diploid and haploid relationship.Step 6: Conclude that equal contribution is the correct statement.

Verification / Alternative check:
Textbook diagrams of meiosis and fertilization consistently show that the male gamete and female gamete each provide one set of chromosomes. Punnett squares used to illustrate inheritance patterns also assume equal genetic contribution from both parents. These educational tools reinforce the idea that nuclear genes are inherited equally from both sides, confirming option C.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A is wrong because it suggests that the father's genetic contribution is much greater, which contradicts the equal haploid contribution from gametes. Option B is wrong for the same reason but in the opposite direction. Option D is wrong because there is a clear and well established relationship: each parent contributes one half of the nuclear genetic material to the child.

Common Pitfalls:
One common misconception arises from discussions about mitochondrial DNA, which is inherited almost entirely from the mother. Some students generalize this and incorrectly think that the mother contributes more overall genetic material. For exam purposes, focus on nuclear chromosomes that determine the majority of inherited traits, and remember that for nuclear DNA, the father and the mother contribute equally. This understanding is fundamental to Mendelian genetics and inheritance patterns.

Final Answer:
The father and the mother contribute equal amounts of nuclear genetic material.