To What Extent Are Genetic Variation and Personal Health Linked?

Answer 1

Linked as your head to your neck.
This is why humans have always survived plagues, because of genetic variability.

Answer 2

Depends what traits you are talking about. Heriditary traits have much to do with the DNA that you pick up from your parents (given no DNA schuffling). It can go as far as chances of getting skin cancer to increased likelihood of alcoholism (genes that allow better breakdown of alcohol). However, not everything is a dependent on genetics. Take the example of alcoholism; your body may have the genes to increase your chances of alcoholism but if you choose not to drink, then those gene products would never be put to use. Its a matter of balancing the DNA make up you have with what you actually do while alive.

Also, genetic variation can work for the better, neutral, or worse for ones health; it depends on the environment.

Lets say 2 stains of a bacteria are studied: one feeds effectively on fructose while the other feeds on both fructose and glucose but less effectively as the first bacteria. Depending on the environment, health problems could be an issue for both. An all fructose environment would benefit the first bacteria and colonize faster than the second while in a glucose environment, the second bacteria would survive longer. So while genetic variation favors one strain depending on the environment, it allows the whole species to survive because of genetic differences between the 2 strains.

Answer 3

It's pretty relative. Genetic diversity is what keeps the human race alive during times of crisis (such as virus or bacterial outbreaks).
And even within the populace, genetic diversity either helps or 'hinders' a person within society, for example big strong guys nowadays might not exactly be getting the best jobs anymore, but when just surviving was difficult, they ruled the villages.

Yet, at the same time, things such as Sickle Cell Anemia, a result of biological diversity, is looked upon as a disease that hinders people from their full athletic ability here in America, but seen as a boon in malaria prone places like the jungle.

Answer 4

Inextricably. Your genetic complement has a profound impact on everything that you do. But remember that genotype alone does not produce the final state of the organism, but rather a combination of genotype and environment. For example, if you have a gene variant that leads to higher than normal levels of LDL cholesterol in your blood, you can exercise, avoid the temptation to eat nothing but cheeseburgers and french fries and not be "doomed" to a major problem with arterial plaque.

Answer 5

In terms of genetic variation from the genes of your parents, not much: variation in a single generation is not that common. But over millenia, it adds up.

Answer 6

If we all had the same genetic makeup, a single strain of flu or other nastiness would wipe out the species.