A freind of yours brings up the idea that, if a person's gene were all identified and sequenced, he would be able to tell everything about that person: what they look like, how they might act, even how they will progess in life, and how long they would likely live.
Is this true, and why?
** I'm wondering if this infact can happen, I know that determining genetic disorders are possible, but determing the above things: looks, how long they might live, and act? Possible or not?
** Any good sites to find info would be helpfull too!
Thanks,
Richard
Someday perhaps to some extent. Certainly not even close today. I mean not even one tenth of a percent there. Also all organisms have some physiological differences due to environmental factors. Genetics plays a huge role, but it isn't the whole player in making an individual.
The idea that knowing a person's entire genome sequence would allow us to accurately predict everything about them, such as their physical appearance, behavior, and lifespan, is not entirely true at the current stage of scientific understanding. While genetics does play a significant role in shaping an individual, there are still many other factors that contribute to who a person is and how they develop.
It is important to note that while certain genes can provide insights into certain traits or predispositions, they rarely provide a complete and deterministic picture. Genetic variations interact with each other and with environmental factors in complex ways, making it challenging to predict specific outcomes solely based on genetic information.
For example, physical appearance is influenced by multiple genes, each having a small contribution. Variations in these genes can lead to a range of outcomes, making it difficult to accurately predict someone's appearance based on their genetic sequence alone.
Similarly, behavior is influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and social factors. While certain genetic markers can indicate a predisposition toward certain behaviors, they do not determine how an individual will act in every situation. Environmental factors, personal experiences, and individual choices also significantly shape behavior.
As for lifespan, there is evidence to suggest that genetics can contribute to longevity. Certain genetic variations have been associated with increased or decreased risks of developing certain diseases or conditions. However, this is not the sole determining factor. Lifestyle choices, environmental factors, and chance all play significant roles in determining an individual's lifespan.
It is worth mentioning that scientific research in the field of genetics and genomics is constantly evolving. As our understanding of the human genome improves, we may gain more insights into how specific genetic variations contribute to various traits and outcomes. However, it is unlikely that we will ever be able to predict everything about a person solely based on their genetic information.
If you're interested in learning more about genetics and genomics, you can find reliable information from reputable sources such as:
- National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI): nhgri.nih.gov
- Genetics Home Reference: ghr.nlm.nih.gov
- National Institutes of Health (NIH): nih.gov/genetics
- Nature Genetics journal: nature.com/ng
Remember that while these sources provide valuable information, it's always important to critically evaluate and cross-reference the information to ensure accuracy and up-to-date understanding.