DNA And Destiny: The Role of Genetics in our Lives

Genetics is the study of chromosomes, DNA patterns, genes, heredity trends in pedigree analysis, study of mutations and variations in living organisms. The field of genetics not only helps detect abnormalities in the chromosomal patterns but also analyzes the hidden chromosomal and mendelian disorders most of which lack proper evaluation and treatment. Genes are basically the blueprint of the living and non-living bodies. Genetics is an integral part of modern society as it relates to health, agriculture, and most importantly, life.

Genetics is widely used in plants, animals, microorganisms, medicine, and agriculture. Determining the patterns of genetic traits, will help us to understand life better. Let’s understand how genetics plays an important role in our daily lives.

Why Genetics is crucial in our lives:

Understanding the genetic traits and patterns is important to deal with genes and variations in the chromosomal pattern. Medical genetics deals with diagnosing the hereditary disorders and it’s various applications to medical care.  

• Forensic study: Genetics helps the forensic experts by identifying and matching the fingerprints in criminal investigations with the help of DNA profiling.
• Effective diagnosis of genetic diseases: By studying the hereditary genes and chromosomal variation in a family tree, one can determine the future occurrence of any rare disease. Earlier diagnosis can also reduce the occurrence of the disease later in life. 
• Development of vaccines: Genetics are used to develop RNA-based vaccines that are not only effective but also safe for the people. These vaccines are developed with infused antigenic proteins from the virus itself that will be injected into the body to create an immune response during the actual occurrence of the disease. 
• Prediction of future risk: Studying genetics helps in predicting the genetic and chromosomal diseases that might occur in any stage of your life. Recombinant DNA technology method is useful to treat diseases such as AIDS, for which there is no as such developed vaccine.
• Testing for the future: Genetic testing procedures helps in identifying the individuals who has a tendency of passing the mutant trait to the next generation. This helps in healthy family planning and thereby early proper treatment to reduce the life risk.

 DNA can also determine your destiny:

The relationship between genes and DNA is best understood by the mutation studies. Any abnormalities in your DNA structure or any missing of protein can be detected earlier with advance technologies. 

• DNA fingerprinting: 99.9% base genomic sequence of human being is same. Finding the fingerprints of two different individuals is the quickest way to compare their DNA sequences and identification.
• Gene expression: Our body is composed of active and inactive genes so when the process of gene regulation happens, it signifies how the genes are expressed. It is possible that two people having same lifestyle yet their DNA makeup is different.
• Medical research and development: It is important to develop new drugs and medicines with the help of genetic study and research to get a clear understanding of various genetic diseases.
• Prenatal Screening during pregnancy: Several genetic tests and screening of the pregnant mothers will help in identifying the possible genetic disorders of the embryo and thereby can help the medical professionals to take early steps for treatment.
• Modern-day gene therapy: Genetics helps in introducing or changing the genetic patterns within a body to treat some specific disease such as the disorders that involve the treatment of immune system.
• Genetic testing methods: With the help of genetic testing, doctors and healthcare experts can identify genetic alterations diseases such as sickle cell anemia.
• Gene editing: Using stem cell treatment and therapy, one can regenerate old tissues and organs that are not working properly.

How genes influence our life:

DNA expresses the blueprint of your dominant and recessive traits, and also determines how certain environmental factors can actually alter your genetic makeup without modifying the DNA sequence.

• Genetic markers: Certain specific gene alterations can cause life threatening complications which can actually complicate your destiny. Genetic markers, not only helps in early diagnosis and prevention, but also give more personalized medical care.
• Polygenic genes: Traits such as personality, smartness is actually controlled by polygenic genes that gets further sharpened with learning and experiences. It is said that some behavioral and cognitive strengths can be inherited, yet your personal life, upbringing, lifestyle, and education plays a vital role in developing polygenic genes.
• Preventive medicine: By studying your genomic structure, your healthcare professional can predict the chance of developing a certain genetic disease, and thereby advise you accordingly to take preventive measures.
• DNA counselling: There are various genetic counselling workshops and campaigns are organized that lends their support to the families who are prone to genetic conditions. It is also very important to understand which genes might make you more susceptible to life risk diseases.

FAQS: DNA and Destiny

1. How changing my lifestyle pattern can help me preventing genetic diseases in the future?

There are various genes that are susceptible to alterations based on various environmental conditions. Understanding the genetic structure and the risk associated with certain genes, some alterations to your lifestyle can keep your risk at bay.

2. Can I get a permanent cure if I am diagnosed with a genetic disease?

Though there are no permanent treatment available for various genetic diseases, some early diagnosis and temporary treatments can actually help you to live better.

3. Will I die if there is no permanent cure for rare chromosomal disorders?

Some rare chromosomal disorders have no proper cure yet today. Still, it is advised to make some healthy life choices and take proper medications to avoid any future complications.