Genetics much?.. hahaha

[Karen]

Did you see CSI tonight, they included genealogy in the story line along with genetics.

Talking with my parents I found out there have been mental health issues on both sides of my family. I am starting to wonder if there really is such a thing as a "depression gene".

It is, they have found a genetic component towards a predisposition for depression - it's not a guarantee, but something folks should be aware of. And they know schizophrenia can have a genetic component as well.

And I am certain of it just from observation of families I know, just like science recently "discovering" that things like musical or artistic ability can be genetic, when that's something I have known my whole life! What ever artistic genes I have were inherited from my grandmother(s) at least one, they skipped clean over my mother, but as she used to tell people, her mother was an artist, her sister is an artist, and I am one, but she couldn't draw a straight line without three rulers!

[Miss Z]

Genetics is indeed a fascinating subject and I've always been intrigued by it too. I think it's the idea of 'tinkering' with the genome to produce something positive that excites me the most. Have you heard much about epigenetics? Personally, I believe the more we come to understand the epigenome, the closer we will come to managing and reducing many complex genetic diseases such as type II diabetes and cancer. We're also beginning to gauge far better than ever before how the 'faulty' genes generate their proteins, opening up even more potential targets for therapy.

I did Animal Genetics modules in my first and second year of university, and this year am doing an advanced Human Molecular Genetics module at King's College London. It's safe to say my mind has been blown (in both a good and bad way!) by some of the current genetics journals! If there's anything you'd ever like to ask, Isabel, I'd be happy to answer, or ask an expert at the university for you!

With regards to the 'depression gene', that's 99.9% certain, but again there's likely to be a great many genes involved. Chromosomes have a habit of switching bits here and there, and having effects further down the code seemingly at random, just to complicate matters. Genetics wouldn't be so intriguing were it straightforward, I guess!

[Husky_mom]

^ yup..

not hear of the epi stuff.. as that´s more human related I assume :P .. but all genetics are quite interesting that's for sure

[Alysser]

LOL, this thread made me laugh since I have a Final in Bio tomorrow, entirely on the make-up of DNA and Genetics as a whole. It was a cool Unit for sure. It was better then learning about proteins and monosaccharides, IMO.