The Role of Genetics on Development



The Role of Genetics on Development

Introduction

Since last two decades, scientific and field researches have been engaged in exploring true facts about complex organism system of human body. These examinations and experimental studies have given birth to numerous disciplines of study in advanced medical sciences. Genetics is one of these fields of study, which is designed to unveil natural transmission of human characteristics from parents to their offspring.

The paper focuses on explaining the role of genetics in human development and the level of influence prenatal and genetics development can have on a child's cognitive and social development. Additionally, it discusses genetic defects, which may lead to chromosomal disorders by exemplifying Turner syndrome, its causes and the associated risk factors for appropriate development.

Thesis Statement

“Genetics play a vital role in the development process by inheriting prenatal characteristics to their offspring and it is a gene function mechanism, which can help a person in developing from childhood to adulthood.”

Role of Genetics in Development

The planet of earth is comprised of human bodies, who distinguish from one another in several perspectives including physical appearance, traits, color, complexion, height. Scientific researches indicate that numerous of these physical differences are inherited into a born child from specific genes of his parents (Mossler, 2011).

Figure 01: DNA Structure (Mossler, 2011, p. 83)

The discipline of genetics has been exploring variations in living things and the science of heredity for the past forty five years (Beasley, 2007). All practitioners and scientists agree to the fact that genetics are crucial to development; however, their views differ on the extent to which biological factors and genetic formation may influence development. This difference in opinion paved way for renowned psychological theories, which have been marked to explain social and cognitive development process by identifying various natural and nurturing factors, which may influence a smooth transition from childhood to adulthood; hence leading to physical and psychological abnormalities (Mossler, 2011).

Piaget proposed that cognitive development in human body is normally undergone four stages, which are primarily driven by biological development. His observations defined that a person successfully adapts to his surroundings by creating a balance between the environment and his schemes (Huitt & Hummel, 2003).

According to ACCAP (2010), not every child undergoes a smooth transition to adulthood and he or she may encounter feelings, behavior or emotions, which can become the cause of serious problems in their lives as well as those who are around them. Several examinations have been made in the discipline of medical to make close observation to various biological or behavioral abnormalities, which may lead to chromosomal disorder. It may range from an inherited blood pressure disease to improper food diet, which has increased the rate of child obesity across the globe.

Genetic Influence on Traits of an Offspring

Medical researches and theories of development state that prenatal genetic have strong influence on traits of an offspring. This genetic infusion from parents to children may also become the source of transferring certain disease or abnormalities, which are found in one or ...