Genetic testing is being done for a large number of genetic diseases that have a

Question

Genetic testing is being done for a large number of genetic diseases that have a Mendelian, i.e. single-gene, pattern of inheritance. It has been very successful at predicting the risk of rare genetic diseases.

There are some traits that are medically significant such as hypertension which are multifactorial in nature. Their genetics is understood by the principles of quantitative genetics. There has been progress in identifying genes that are involved in variation in these traits, but it is not recommended that genetic testing be offered for these traits.

Provide and explain one reason why genetic testing is not appropriate to use genetic testing to predict whether someone will develop hypertension later in life, even though genetic testing has been very successful at predicting people’s risks of developing Mendelian genetic disease.

Explanation / Answer

There are various factors that contribute to high blood pressure. This includes the age and family history of the person. Blood pressure prevalance is more in some races as compared to others. Besides, lifestyle also contributes to the development of hypertension in humans.
Stress, intake of food high in sodium content and lack of physical activity are some of the important causes of hypertension.

Apart from taking medicine, hypertension can be managed and controlled by making appropriate lifestyle changes.

Hence, in the light of above facts, it can be stated that genetic testing is not appropriate to predict whether someone is going to develop hypertension later in life. It would in fact lead to undue stress which might in fact contribute to the onset of the disease.

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