The human DNA is a complex structure composed of molecules that serve as storage of genetic information. This information is necessary in constructing other cellular components such as protein and RNA molecules. It is a fact that a person's health is significantly influenced by the changes that occurs inside the body, particularly in the DNA. The cells of a healthy human being undergo several stages of cellular cycle. Cellular cycle follows the growth, division and death of cells in the body. If one of the stages in the cycle is not performed, genetic mutation can occur and causes diseases, physical and functional defects to a person.
Genetic mutation happens when there is a change in the DNA sequence in the organism. Mutations can be hereditary, - passed on from parents to offspring, and can also be acquired from environmental factors. These environmental factors that trigger mutation are called mutagens. There are several sorts of mutagens in the environment such as ionizing radiations, ultraviolet, base analog, transposon, bromine, benzene and many others. However, not all mutations are caused by mutagens; they can also be caused by errors during meiosis or DNA replication, which is called spontaneous mutation.
The diseases caused by cellular mutation are single gene disorder such as sickle cell anemia, and multifactorial polygenic disorders such as asthma, autism, cancers, cleft palate, heart disease, hypertension, mental retardation, obesity and many others. Looking at all these diseases, you can say that effect of mutation in the DNA can alter the life of a person. Thus, it is necessary to keep yourself from the environmental factors that can trigger cellular mutation. In some cases, cellular mutation is induced by the cell itself and some mutations do not have any effect to the organism at all. However, harmful mutations that cause hereditary diseases are what people should be weary about.
According to some studies, it is believed that mutation can be beneficial. Mutations can sometimes increase a person's immunity against certain diseases like AIDS and malaria. The possible explanation of this occurrence is that the people in the past who were exposed to bubonic plague developed immunity against the homozygotes delays AIDS in heterozygotes and were able to pass this genetic trait to their offspring. Moreover, in places where malaria is common, sickle cell disease can be found in the inhabitants because there is a higher survival rate for those who carry single-cell gene. It protects the inhabitants from the protozoan that causes malaria.
DNA plays a big role in the development of diseases in people's body. It is crucial for people to pay attention to the things in their environment because there might be some mutagens that can trigger genetic mutation in their body. It is also important to keep one's self healthy by taking in proper nutrients and having daily exercises. Living a healthy life is the most important factor to prevent the onset of deadly diseases to one's body. This can be attained through proper knowledge and understanding on how the body functions and the influence of environmental factors to our DNA.
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