I. INTRODUCTION: DNA – The Invisible Script of Our Body
Every day, we know many things about ourselves: our name, age, where we live, what we do. But the deepest secret of our body — our DNA code — remains hidden from our eyes. Whatever it says, the body obeys.
It’s as if there is a writer inside us. One who has already written how we will breathe, what color our hair will be, and even which diseases we might be prone to.
That writer is OUR GENES.
II. WHAT ARE GENES AND HOW DO THEY WORK?
The Concept of DNA and Genes
DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) is the carrier of genetic information in our body. Every cell in the human body contains the same DNA code — a spiral-shaped genetic script composed of around 3 billion “letters.”
A gene is a specific segment of DNA that controls a particular function in the body. For example:
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One gene determines eye color
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Another regulates insulin production
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A third controls cell division
III. THE LINK BETWEEN DISEASES AND GENES
What is a genetic disorder?
A genetic disorder is a disease caused by mutations — changes in DNA. These mutations can be inherited (passed down from parents) or acquired during a person’s life.
Examples of genetic diseases:
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Down syndrome – caused by an extra chromosome
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Thalassemia – mutation in the blood gene
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Hemophilia – deficiency in genes affecting blood clotting
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Phenylketonuria (PKU) – problem in breaking down amino acids
IV. GENES THAT INCREASE DISEASE RISK
BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes:
These genes normally act as tumor suppressors.
But when mutated, they significantly increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
Angelina Jolie, after learning she carried this gene, chose preventive surgery.
APOE gene variant:
Some variants of this gene increase susceptibility to Alzheimer’s disease.
HLA genes:
This group of genes is associated with autoimmune diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis, Lupus, Celiac disease, and Rheumatoid Arthritis.
V. EPIGENETICS – THE GENE EXISTS, BUT REMAINS SILENT
It’s not all about genes. Sometimes the gene is there, but it’s not expressed. This is where epigenetics comes in.
What is epigenetics?
Epigenetics refers to mechanisms that affect gene expression without altering the DNA sequence itself.
In simple terms: the gene is there, but the key is locked.
Epigenetic factors include:
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Nutrition
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Stress
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Sleep deprivation
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Chemical exposure
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Toxins
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Trauma
Example: Identical twins with the same genes — one remains healthy, the other develops cancer. Why? Their epigenetic environments are different.
VI. THE MEDICINE OF THE FUTURE – READ THE GENE, READ THE FUTURE
Science now allows us to determine disease risk in advance through genetic analysis.
What can DNA tests reveal?
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Predisposition to hereditary diseases
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Genetic information related to hormone levels
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Personalized dietary recommendations (nutrigenetics)
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Best-suited sport types (power vs. endurance)
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Individual reactions to drugs (pharmacogenetics)
VII. CHANGING GENES – BLESSING OR DANGER?
CRISPR Technology
Allows us to "cut and edit" genes. For example:
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A faulty gene is removed
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A healthy version is inserted
Example: Sickle cell anemia is already being treated with gene therapy.
Hope is rising for diseases like muscular dystrophy, cancer, and rare genetic conditions.
But it also raises ethical questions:
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Is it right to "design" babies?
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How will justice and equality be ensured?
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Are we changing humanity by changing genes?
VIII. RELIGIOUS AND ETHICAL PERSPECTIVES
Islam: Preserving life is the priority. If gene therapy is a form of treatment with no alternatives, it is considered permissible.
Christianity and Judaism: Modifying human genes may be seen as interfering with God's creation.
Ethical view: Genetic discrimination and the idea of creating a “genetically superior human” must be avoided.
IX. FINAL WORD: YOUR GENES ARE NOT YOUR DESTINY
Yes, genes reveal a lot about us. But they don’t write our entire story. Our choices and lifestyle shape the rest.
Your DNA shows your tendencies — but your behavior activates or silences them.
Your genetic inheritance is a book — but you choose which page to read.
Question
Do you believe a person’s genetic code determines their destiny?
Or can lifestyle and choices modify that code?
Share Your Thoughts
Your opinion matters.
Do genes control us, or do we control our genes?
Join the conversation in the comments — let’s explore this mystery together.