How genetics play a role in health?

Understanding genetic factors and genetic disorders is important in learning more about promoting health and preventing disease. Some genetic changes have been associated with an increased risk of having a child with a birth defect or developmental disability or developing diseases such as cancer or heart disease.

Who defined genetics?

The word genetics was introduced in 1905 by English biologist William Bateson, who was one of the discoverers of Mendel’s work and who became a champion of Mendel’s principles of inheritance.

Why is it important for public health professionals to know about genetics?

The convergence of public health and genetics holds the possibility of improved understanding of the etiology, prevention, and management of complex diseases such as diabetes, dementia, heart disease, cancer including oral cancers, dental diseases, and syndromes.

Does genetic mean hereditary?

Because hereditary diseases are caused by genetic mutations, you may see the terms “hereditary” and “genetic” used interchangeably when referring to inherited disease. But while a genetic disease is also the result of a gene mutation, it may or may not be hereditary.

What is the simple definition of genetics?

Definition of genetics 1 : a branch of biology that deals with the heredity and variation of organisms. 2 : the genetic makeup and phenomena of an organism, type, group, or condition.

What is the impact of genetics?

Many conditions and diseases are related to genes in some way. Some mutations may be in a single gene, although most disorders are more complex. Many diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes, are caused by issues with multiple genes in combination with lifestyle and environmental factors.

How is the discovery of genes and genomics pertinent to human health?

Why are genetics and genomics important to my health? Genomics is helping researchers discover why some people get sick from certain infections, environmental factors, and behaviors, while others do not.