Introduction:
Inheritance of characteristics in offspring is determined by the combination of genetic material from both parents. Each parent contributes genes to their child, which determine various characteristics such as physical appearance, behavior, and other traits. In this context, we will explore what percentage of characteristics a child inherits from its mother.

Explanation:
When considering the inheritance of characteristics from parents, it is important to understand that genes come in pairs, with one copy coming from the father and the other from the mother. These genes are located on chromosomes, which are thread-like structures found in the nucleus of cells. Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes, with one pair being the sex chromosomes (XX for females and XY for males).

Key Concepts:
To explain the percentage of characteristics inherited from the mother, it is essential to understand two key concepts:

1. Sex Determination:
- Females have two copies of the X chromosome (XX), while males have one X and one Y chromosome (XY).
- The sex of a child is determined by the father, as he can contribute either an X or a Y chromosome.
- If the father contributes an X chromosome, the child will be female (XX); if he contributes a Y chromosome, the child will be male (XY).

2. Dominant and Recessive Traits:
- Some traits are dominant, meaning that only one copy of the gene is needed for the trait to be expressed.
- Other traits are recessive, meaning that two copies of the gene are required for the trait to be expressed.

Inheritance from the Mother:
The percentage of characteristics inherited from the mother can vary depending on the specific trait being considered. However, in general, a child inherits 50% of its genetic material from its mother. Here's why:

- The mother contributes one of the child's sex chromosomes (X).
- The mother also contributes half of the child's autosomal chromosomes, which are non-sex chromosomes (22 pairs).
- These autosomal chromosomes contain genes that determine various traits, such as hair color, eye color, height, and others.
- Each gene on these chromosomes consists of two alleles, with one allele inherited from the mother and the other from the father.
- The combination of alleles determines the expression of traits.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, a child inherits approximately 50% of its genetic material from its mother. This includes one of the sex chromosomes (X) and half of the autosomal chromosomes, which contain genes responsible for various characteristics. It is important to note that the specific expression of traits can be influenced by factors such as dominance, recessiveness, and interactions between genes.