Reaction Paper - Assignment Example

In my opinion, the difference that may characterize the identical twins is not in the physical appearance but in the genetic composition. This is confirmed by the presence of cancer in one of the identical sisters while the other is healthy. The influence of gene regulation is further confirmed through the use of agouti mice in research in which the genetically identical twins look different in size and color. One mouse is small and brown while the twin sister is obese and yellow. The epigenome is the factor that causes differences between the two mice.

According to Mariman’s (2008), article on Epigenetic Manifestations in Diet-Related Disorders, the concept of epigenetics is a product of the changes in the phenotype due to the resetting of the genetic expression. According to Harper, (2010), the process is controlled by environmental and genetic factors although they do not alter the genetic structure. The article posits that the resetting occurs at a certain life stage and remains the same thereafter. The article views human epigenetic manifestations as nutritionally linked.

Nutritional factors are widely cited as the main causative drivers for genetically-related disorders. Mariman posits that nutrition can affect the later life risks for genetic conditions such as metabolic syndrome. They are related to parent-of-origin and fetal origin effects. Family History The analysis of my family history indicates that my aunt has cancer while my father suffers from a genetically-related disease such as Prostate Cancer, Diabetes Type 2, Glaucoma, and Hypertension. The presence of an aunt with Asthma in our family indicates that the family members have a high risk of contracting the disorder.

However, the risk is less, when compared to the situation whereby both of my parents possessed the disorder. The family members should be prepared for the application of necessary measures geared towards reducing its impact. According to Bracken et al. (2002), some of the changes that the family members can make to minimize their risks include curbing obesity, stress and work exposures. Cancer diagnosis in my paternal figure at the age of 70 is not a surety that people possess a high risk of acquiring the defect.

Research has shown that cancer is a common disorder affecting older people (Sifri, Gangadharappa and Acheson, 2004). However, the phenomenon indicates that my brothers have a higher risk of contracting prostate cancer. The risk is still low because it is only my father who has been diagnosed. The presence of Diabetes Type 2, Glaucoma, and Hypertension in the paternal figure indicates that the family members are at a risk of acquiring these diseases. For instance, Type 2 Diabetes is highly linked to inheritance as well as lifestyle.

However, the risk is still lower compared to the families where both patents have these disorders. The presence of these disorders indicates that some relatives were victims of the stipulated disorders. The preventive strategies that the family can adopt include the implementation of a simple lifestyle. Health and Longevity My average body age is 24.1 years. The reduced risk of contracting genetic diseases indicates that my healthy life expectancy is 75.3 years. The low risk is related to my current healthy condition that confirms that I am free of