Definition of genes?

Question

im doing a case study in biology "who is to blame for obesity" and i need to include what genes, genetics and chromosomes are. i know what they are but cant put it into words can anyone help? and if you could why it could be genes causing obesity. the best one i will give best answer to. thanks!

Answer 1

Genes are combinations of four bases A (adenine) T(thymine) C (cysteine) G (guanine) (those are the UK names for the bases they can vary in some countries).

Humans have two of every gene, these are known as alleles and they can either be identical or different.

Many genes which are joined together get coiled up when not undergoing cell separation, to form chromosomes, simply think of them as rolls of wool all coiled up to save room and not get tangled up.

In the argument of "who is to blame for obesity" in some cases its the persons fault, and in others its the fault of genes.

You have to realise that genes basically are blueprints, but like any construction site if you don't have enough materials (i.e. food) the construction can't go 100% as planned.

This is environmental effects upon our bodies, certain variations of genes concerning control of weight deal with excess food differently than others. Some people will just naturally gain weight, even with a normal diet, because their body doesn't waste anything and stores it all up like a battery.

Some however, will simply waste the food, because the genes don't have the policy of keeping everything - these people can often get obese if they eat a very large diet, so in the case of these people it is their fault that their overeating.

With the people who store up all the excess food in their bodies, its less their own fault and down to the bodies policy concerning waste. These people generally have to follow a controlled diet, or like a sponge they will soak it all up and become obese.

There are also people who can't get fat, no matter how much they eat (i'm a living example :)) so really this shows that genes have a very big impact upon weight, with a certain configuration of weight control genes people can easily become obese, and with others it can be harder to become obese.

So the blame goes both ways really, depends on the person in question, some can be blamed and others cannot for their obesity. However at the end of the day, even a person who doesn't waste food as much and therefore gets obese easily, can still eat less and exercise more, so there is always a physical responsibility to the person in question.

Answer 2

Genes are sequence of organic molecules mainly consisted of phosphor  group and carbon/nitrogen ring  that governs genotypes,  phenotypes,   and protein synthesis in  many species. In humans genes are in form of DNA.

***produced proteins are  not part of or attached to DNA****  

One of the main functions of genes, DNA, is protein synthesis. Proteins can be enzymes and hormones that are involved in  metabolism and behavior. So, if one has genes for a specific hormone , enzyme or protein that interferes with one's metabolism, that could potentially alter  metabolic activities. There are hormones that influence our appetite, and conversion of glucose  to energy.

There are also environmental factors, such as types of food,  its sources, and  one's life style. If one's system is over exposed to   inadequate  nutrients  or medications this could  give rise to obesity.

Answer 3

Genes control characteristics. Some characteristics are caused by a single gene, other genes are controlled by many genes and the environment sometimes have an effect. An allele is a version of a gene. As we have pairs of chromosomes, we have two copies of every gene. However the versions of these genes can sometimes be different as one chromosome in each pair comes from the mother and one from the father.

Answer 4

Genes are regions of your DNA that code for proteins.  Chromsomes are the wound up DNA molecules and their associated proteins, compacted into a tight bundle.  So, genes are found in particular locations on chromsomes.

Genes are involved in obesity because proteins control all of the chemical processes in our body, including the break down and storage of energy.  So, the enzymes (which are proteins) that are involved in metabolism, are coded for by your genes.  Changes to these enzymes can affect their function.  One example of this is the thyroid system.  Faulty genes for thyroxin or thyroid stimulating hormone can alter your body's control of metabolism.

A really interesting look at obesity and genes is in NOVA's episode, The Ghost in your Genes.  You should at least look at the segment about the mice.  This involves epigenetics, so not the actual gene, but whether or not a gene is turned on or off.  You can see the info at: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/genes/.  The part about the obesity in mice is under "A tale of two mice".

Answer 5

Genes are specific portions of DNA of chromosomes. Each gene has coded information in terms of No. & sequence of nucleotides. This coded information regulates specific trait or Character by making specific proteins or polypeptides.