how does the genes inherited by an individual can affect an individual’s health and/or cause certain genetic disorders?

Answer 1

Hi Angel.

So this is a very important question. I'm going to start with the basics, since I don't know how much you already know.

Your DNA is the genetic code that tells your body how to build proteins. Any change in your DNA could result in a change in the protein. The proteins in your body are responsible for everything your body does, from creating & using energy, to creating hormones in your body, to digesting, your immune system, almost everything.

Your DNA can be very susceptible to damage & mutations, however it is usually fixed by DNA repair enzymes. When it is not fixed, it can be passed on to your children. If this damage or mutation occurs in a region that encodes a protein, it could result in a damaged protein. This would mean that the protein is no longer capable of performing its tasks, & could result in disease.

I'll give you an example.

There is a very important protein called p53. This protein regulates the rate that your cells divide & grow. When something is wrong in the cell p53 prevents growth, so this problem doesn't continue. When things are good to go, p53 gives the "okay" & the cell can divide. p53 is encoded in a gene called p53 (Genes are usually denoted in italics). If there is damage to the p53 gene then the protein will not be functional. p53 are very common in certain cancer types. This is because a mutated p53 will give the "okay" more often, & the cell will divide & grow like crazy, resulting in a tumor.

I hope this helps. If you liked my answer & explanation you should sign up for tutoring with me & I can help you with more problems like this.

Warm regards,

Michael G.

Answer 2

According to central dogma genes code for RNA that in turn code for proteins, which ultimately cause a particular function. The functions of protein range from regulating various metabolic pathways, cell cycle, respiration,hormone signaling and almost all of the process in the body.

A mutation in the gene or the coding sequence of DNA will lead to altered protein structure or hampered protein synthesis. The alteration in protein formation will retard the process in which the fucntional protein is supposed to act.

So,if the inherited genes is mutated, it will produce a altered protein and hence, will become the cause of either disease or the gentic disorder.

The genetic disorder or the disease causing capability of any gene varies amoung the genes and its involvement in the regulatory pathway.