Genes

[Fluffy]

Can anyone help me understand these funny little things a bit better?
What exactly do they control about us? Do they only control our physical characteristics or do they control our mind as well? How are we able to determine exactly what they control? What factors control those things about us that aren't determined by genes?

And now to link this with my all time favourite topic: Is it possible/proven that sexuality is determined by our genes? What theories are there on this topic?

Any information would be much appreciated !

 

[rivet]

"What exactly do they control about us? Do they only control our physical characteristics or do they control our mind as well? How are we able to determine exactly what they control?"

I think they control our basic personality - whether we are introverted or extroverted for example. There was famous study on identical twins separated at birth. They had many of the same mannerisms and personality traits.

"What factors control those things about us that aren't determined by genes?"

parenting, friendships, schooling, experiences

 

[Fluffy]

Thanks for the information on identical twins rivet. I will have to look into that a bit further since that seems like an ideal place to find out the answer to many of these questions.

 

[painted wolf]

Genes tell your body how to grow and function. They determine everything from hair colour to wether or not you will have Sctizophrenia(sp).
Nature vs. nurture is still being debated. Extrovert/introvert has a lot to do with a childs early life and training as well as genetics. Culture and family are big influences on how a child behaves later in life. Look at the cultural differences between how boys and s are treated. s are just as good at math and science as boys and often outperform them in school up untill about grade 4 then something strange happins. Boys are encouraged to be more outspoken and subltly directed into math and science and sports, s are encouraged to be more 'lady-like', to be less outspoken and are subltly pushed away from math and science.

We are still learning a lot about genes and just how much they influence us. It will take decades to understand the human genome now that we have it mapped. Most genes are not just single use things, they can control several factors and most need other similer functioning genes to work right. Thus a fault in a single gene can have wide ranging effects on the body.

wa:do

 

[michel]

The problem with genes is that their re-appearance in generations is unpredictable. As paintedwolf just said, the nature/nurture argument is a difficult one.

But there is no doubt that genetics play a very important part in the reproductive system; particularly in the 'passing down' of weaknesses (Physical and mental) from generation to generation (with the added incalculable element of dormancy - ie when a gene does not pass from one generation to another, but 'surfaces' at a later date for no apparent reasons).

The one good thing about genetics is that which allows my wife to blame me for all the faults of our children, whilst claiming their good points are as a direct genetic link to her.

 

[Scuba Pete]

Check this out: Nature Vs Nurture