Inherited genetic mutations can increase disease risk from "summary" of El gen / The Gene: An Intimate History by Siddhartha Mukherjee
Genes, the fundamental units of heredity, are the blueprints that dictate our biological makeup. These genetic instructions are passed down from our parents, shaping everything from our physical traits to our susceptibility to certain diseases. In some cases, however, these genetic blueprints can contain mutations that increase the risk of developing specific health conditions. When these mutated genes are inherited, they can disrupt the normal functioning of cells and lead to an increased likelihood of disease. For example, mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes have been linked to a significantly higher risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. Individuals who inherit these mutated genes are more likely to develop these types of cancer at a younger age compared to those without the mutations. Moreover, genetic ...
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