Genetics - out of our control?

[Guest guest]

On 11/29/11 11:41 PM, Yehoshua Zohar wrote:

SNIP an excellent summation of lifetime learning experience, which in many ways

parallels my own...

>

> Finally, a few words on genetics: since this is out of our control, why

sweat it? We have to do the best with the hand we were dealt.

>

I know what Yehoshua is getting at and agree to some extent, but looking at it

from another perspective - are genetics out of our control? The base genetic

code may be set, but gene expression, in many instances, is within our control.

Shenk wrote a book called " The Genius in All of Us " which suggests that in

the past genetics and environment has the relations 'G+E='. He maintains we have

enough control over gene expression it should be 'GxE='. In the book he notes

how the common wisdom is sprinters and runners of certain genetic heritage (West

African and Kenyan) have a genetic advantage. Yet it wasn't that long ago the

same argument was made for other races in different sports and events.

" Compared with what we ought to be, we are only half awake - the human being

lives far within his limits. "

If genetic expression can be changed (within boundaries) should we even think we

can't control our genetics? We have as much control over them as we do our

environment - well, in a way...

Hobman

Saskatoon, CANADA