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Genetic research studies how heredity affects living things, including plants and animals. It is used to develop herbicide-resistant seeds and determine treatments for diseases. However, determining who will develop a genetic disease is difficult, and genetic counseling is recommended for couples with a higher risk of passing on genetic disorders.
Genetic research is the term used by scientists to study how heredity affects living things. Genes contain all the information needed to create a new being and are housed in DNA. Scientists study these genes to determine how diseases are inherited and how beneficial traits are passed on. While we often think of genetic research as a purely human activity, plants and animals are also studied.
Perhaps the most widespread use of this research field in plants is the development of herbicide-resistant seeds. These widely available seeds are genetically modified so that after planting the farmer can spray them with herbicide to kill weeds without harming the plant. Genetic research has made this product easily available and affordable for the average farmer.
Genetic research is used when trying to determine treatments for particular diseases. Researchers study various genes associated with a condition. They may try to develop a way to turn off the gene, make a drug that will turn off the gene, or change the process that a gene goes through that leads to the development of a genetic disease.
Genetic research is extremely complicated. Genes are just one factor in many cases of the disease. Environmental issues are also an important component. Some people may carry the gene for a particular genetic disease but never develop any health problems, while others may be affected aggressively. Doctors are unable to test different people who carry the same gene and determine who will be affected and who will not.
Determining who will develop a genetic disease is one of the most difficult aspects of genetic research. For example, a young woman who carries the gene for an aggressive form of breast cancer may want to have a double mastectomy to reduce her risk of developing breast cancer. While this is understandable, there is no guarantee he will develop cancer, and the surgery is very aggressive. In cases like this, genetic research often generates as many questions as it answers.
Couples who are older or have difficulty getting pregnant or maintaining a pregnancy are often referred to a genetic counselor. The counselor can conduct tests to determine whether the prospective parents carry genes that can increase the likelihood of a child having a genetic disorder. While there are definitive tests that can be done on the fetus in utero, many people prefer to have this information before becoming pregnant.
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