What is Gene? 

Genes are the basic units of heredity. They are segments of DNA that contain instructions for making proteins, which are the building blocks of life. Genes determine many of our physical and biological traits, such as our eye color, blood type, and susceptibility to certain diseases. We inherit our genes from our parents. We have two copies of each gene, one from each parent. Sometimes, a gene can have a change or a mutation that alters its function or expression. A mutation can be inherited from a parent or occur spontaneously during the formation of eggs or sperm or during early development. Some mutations can cause genetic diseases, which are disorders that result from abnormal genes or chromosomes. Genetic diseases can affect any part of the body and any system or function. They can range from mild to severe, from common to rare, and from treatable to incurable.

 

Genes affect our health in several ways:

- Genes provide instructions for making proteins, which are the building blocks of life and perform many functions in the body. When a gene has a change or a mutation that alters its function or expression, it can cause problems for the whole system or function. For example, some gene changes can make you more likely to get cancer.

- Genes interact with our environment and our choices, such as diet, exercise, smoking, and exposure to toxins. These factors can influence how genes work or cause changes in the DNA inside our cells. For example, ultraviolet radiation from the sun can cause mutations in the skin cells that can lead to skin cancer.

- Genes determine our risk of developing certain diseases or passing them on to our children. Some diseases are caused by mutations in one or more genes that we inherit from our parents or that occur spontaneously during our lifetime. These are called genetic diseases or disorders. For example, cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, and hemophilia are genetic diseases caused by mutations in single genes. Other diseases are influenced by a combination of gene variants, lifestyle choices, and environmental factors. For example, diabetes, heart disease, and Alzheimer's disease are complex diseases that have both genetic and non-genetic components.

 

Genetic testing is a process that can detect mutations or variations in genes or chromosomes that may affect our health or development. Genetic testing can be done for various purposes, such as diagnosing a genetic disease, estimating the risk of developing or passing on a genetic disease, or guiding medical care based on genetic information. Genetic counselling is a service that provides information and support to people who have or are at risk of having a genetic disease. Genetic counsellors are health professionals who can help people understand how genetics affects their health and well-being. They can also help people make informed decisions about genetic testing and its implications for themselves and their family members.