Genes and Diseases

The science of medical genetics is progressing rapidly. The practical importance of this pro­gress should be considered by medical doctors. Both genetic and environmental factors are involved in the abnormail phenotypes considered diseases. The relative significance of the two factors varies from disease to disease. All di­seases can be viewed as falling on a spectrum in this regard. Hereditary diseases are neare the genetic end and are primarily causd by a single mutant gene or chromosomal Abberra­tions. In medicai practice the search is mainly lo find methods for diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. Genetic knowledge Such as pedigree ana­lysis could be used in recognizing genetic diseases. Development of different biochemical tests and cytogenetic studies have been applied in early detection of inherited abnormalities. In some ca'ses early prognosis could be applied to prevent the occurrence of the disease. Treat ment in genetic disease is not as hopeless as it may seem and at present there are several forms of therapy.