Genetic predisposition increases the likelihood of developing certain things, but it doesn’t always manifest. It’s distinct from genes that are always expressed, like Huntington’s disease. Environmental factors play a significant role, and genetic testing could lead to discrimination.
A genetic predisposition is a genetically increased likelihood of developing certain things, such as diseases, allergies, temperament, a certain level of intelligence, or many other examples. It should be noted that people with genetic predispositions don’t always end up with the things they are predisposed to. While genes can be a reliable predictor of certain elements, the environment or other genes that have not been identified are also important. People are predisposed but will definitely not express the genes they inherited from their parents.
Genetic predisposition should be viewed as distinct from genes that are always expressed. Those who inherit a gene for Huntington’s disease will invariably and will eventually show signs of the disease. A woman who carries a gene that suggests she is more at risk of breast cancer is not as safe. You are more likely to get breast cancer than those in the normal population, but you may still never get it. Some genes, like Huntington’s, aren’t actually predispositions and will instead work if they’re inherited, no matter what.
This distinction is important when analyzing genetic material. It may be vitally important to know whether a person will inherit a serious and/or fatal disease, but there is a storm of debate surrounding the issue of judging people based on genetic makeup. Family history genes that suggest higher intelligence, a higher risk of heart disease, a higher likelihood of cancer, or an elevated risk of mental illness aren’t always guarantees. Furthermore, people lacking these genetic expressions may still be highly intelligent, more prone to heart disease or to developing cancer or mental illness.
The nature/nurture argument is at the center of debates on genetic predisposition. The environment plays a significant role in the expression of good and bad genes. A person growing up in an abusive household may not be genetically prone to mental illness, but they certainly are environmentally prone. The smoker greatly increases the environmental risk for cancer. Factors such as when women have their first children and whether they breastfeed can also reduce or increase the risk of breast cancer.
One concern with assessing genetic predisposition via genetic testing is that it will be used to discriminate against others. Health insurance companies could require genetic testing and drop anyone with genes that could suggest an elevated risk of the disease from their rolls. Employers may refuse to hire those who may need more time off if they have specific illnesses, or they may select people more likely to be intelligent. Countries like the United States have signed laws prohibiting discrimination based on genetic factors, but as with any other form of discrimination, it is still possible to break or circumvent these laws.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
