Final answer:
The DNA fingerprint of a child will have partially overlapping genetic traits with each parent, as they inherit half of their genetic makeup from each. This combination of alleles results in the child's unique traits.
Step-by-step explanation:
When comparing the DNA fingerprints of a parent and child, the correct answer is that the parent's DNA fingerprint will have partially overlapping genetic traits with the child (option C). Children inherit one chromosome in each pair from each parent, giving them a full complement of 23 from each. This results in half of the child's genetic makeup being inherited from each parent. Homologous chromosomes have genes for the same characteristics in the same locations, and variations in the alleles received from each parent lead to the unique combination of traits in the child.
It is noteworthy that while mitochondrial DNA is inherited solely from the mother, the majority of a child's characteristics are dictated by nuclear DNA, which includes contributions from both parents. Thus, in a DNA fingerprint, which typically analyzes nuclear DNA, you would expect to see a mixture of characteristics inherited from both the mother and the father.
Each parent contributes to the child's genotype, but the phenotype (observable traits) can be influenced by the dominance or recessiveness of the inherited alleles, as well as by environmental factors and experiences which contribute to the individual's unique characteristics.