Genes and Health and Genetic Disorders Information
Inherited traits are defined by their ability to be passed from one generation to the next in a predictable manner. Each human cell with a nucleus contains all the genetic information necessary to build a human being. Inside the cell nucleus are 23 pairs of chromosomes (one chromosome in each pair coming from each parent). Each of the 46 human chromosomes contains the DNA for hundreds or thousands of individual genes. A gene is a sequence of DNA that denotes a unit of heredity. You have two copies of each gene. One inherited from your father, one inherited from your mother. Some inherited traits are highly complex and involve many genes; other traits, such as the ability to curl your tongue, are determined by only one gene. If you have the gene - you have the trait.
WHAT'S HEALTHY
Traits are either dominant or recessive.
- Dominant: a trait that is apparent with one copy of the gene in the pair-it can be inherited from only one parent.
- Recessive: a trait that is apparent with copies of the gene pair-one from the mother, one from the father.
As we enter the 21st century, Americans often think about health in terms of science and medicine. To some people, being healthy means having a physical body that works and is free of disease. For over 3,000 years, many people in China have said that health depends on chi, a vital energy that flows through the body, mind and spirit. Good health means keeping the flow of chi in balance. In India , a system called the Ayurvedas (knowledge of life) teaches that health depends on a balance between the individual and the universe. Balance is achieved with herbs, minerals, operations, and ritual chants and offerings. In many Native American cultures, people are seen as a part of the whole environment. When all the elements of the world are in balance and harmony, then the people will also be healthy. Cultural Paradigms is the soul, the community and the environment. Looking across cultures , we can see the many ways people understand the idea of "health." Ideas about health are shaped by the way people view not only the body, but also the mind.
What are Genetic Disorders?
The disorders, which set in when the DNA sequences of the gene, or genes change is Genetic disorders. The problem comes from the changes, which affect the normal working of the genes and not the genes themselves. Genetic disorders can set in at any age.
Mutation refers to the division of cells. Therefore, when the cells divide, the combination of their chromosomes undergoes changes. Many smaller cells form within one small cell, when the non-chromosomal DNA cells of a baby within a womb changes. These chromosome alterations or abnormalities cause Genetic disorders like Down’s syndrome. Sometimes only one gene develops changes, which causes cell anemia. Still complicated changes take place in many different genes. These along with some other factors cause Genetic disorders like Diabetes, Cancer, etc.
Disorder of the genes needs immediate treatment. Doctors can detect such disorders in expectant mothers by checking their blood or skin samples. Every hospital does the full screening of a baby immediately after birth to prevent the disorders from developing into bigger issues.
Generally, the cells undergo division due to certain chemical reactions or due to the age factor. At times, the cells correct these divisions by themselves. The genes are passed on from the parents to the children. If both the parents have problem genes, the chances of the children developing Genetic disorders are higher. Sometimes, the number of chromosomes in the unison of the egg and the sperm are too many, which causes disorders of the genes.
Scientists are making headways in finding a cure for Genetic Disorders. One such cure is to induct healthy genes in to the affected ones. By this process, healthy genes outnumber the problem ones. However, the main drawback of this gene therapy is that the innumerable genes and their individual functions still need recognition in medical circles.