DNA the Genetics of Height

DNA The Genetics of Height DNA has a huge impact in growth and development. It has long been associated with determining height, and recent studies in specific genetic modifications back that assertion up. However, there are other factors influencing height, such as diet and prescribed medications. Additionally, research shows that there is a multitude of other genetic combinations which may have their own impact on each unique individual's height. Two recent gene abnormalities have been discovered to have an impact on height. Both HGMA2 and GDF5 can impact on height.

According to research, about "90% of our height variation is linked to DNA," (Anitei 2007). The discovery of these genes then solidifies this concept. The link within the case of HGMA2 was discovered by a medical team at the Children's Hospital in Boston. Research states that "The team looked inside the genome of 35,000 people for their single letter differences in the DNA that were found more often in tall individuals than in shorter ones," (Anitei 2007). What they found was a simple switch, where a "C" replaced the "T" in the coding.

HGMA2 is a mutant gene, with two letters being switched in a previously existing code. Thus, "People who inherit both changes can be a centimeter (a third of an inch) shorter than those who inherit both of the alternative versions of the gene," (Connor 2007). The gene itself is found in young, developing children, showing elements of height being predetermined early on in life. Research has also shown evidence of genetic variations within the GDF5 gene can be correlated with adult height (Vaes et al. 2009).

The gene is a controlling cell growth and helps act as a structure for the development of the skeletal system. It has also been known to play a role in the creation joints within the body as well. Unlike HMGA2, GDF5 is found in both young and adult tissues. This shows that height can still be adjusted throughout the development of the growing body.

Additional factors, like diet and medication during vulnerable developmental periods, are also supposed to have an impact in the final height of each individual as they reach maturity. There has been a wide array of studies linking factors like diet, exercise, and location to height. A genetic tie to height "is just the first of many -- and possibly as many as several hundred -- that will be found," (Connor 2007). Thus, it is clear that numerous other factors do play a key role in determining height.

Modern research has found that "improved nutrition means that each generation is getting successfully taller," (Connor 2007). Also, on many cases, when some medicines are taken by a developing child, they can have affects on the later height of that child in adult maturity. A common prescription given to children to quell symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) can have an impact on the height of growing children. Most cases of ADHD are treated with stimulants, such as the commonly prescribed Ritalin.

These stimulants are thought by researchers to have an impact increasing height in small variations (Goldman 2010). Thus, other factors help continue influence on height. Extremes, like dwarfism and gigantism, present abnormal genetic situations which result in defects in normal height creation. These abnormalities make typical strategies for scientists to estimate the height of normal individuals obsolete. In cases of such defects, scientists have to examine skeletal growth and make a prediction based on prior growth patterns (Paley et al., 2005).

Predicting height in androplastic dwarves can also conducted using the multiplier method, which uses the division of height at maturity by the eight at individual ages, this would then be conducted within the context of both genders (Paley et al. 2005). Research suggests that there is a plethora of other genes working together to determine the height of any given individual. According to research, the factor of height is polygenic, meaning "many genes contribute towards making us taller or shorter," (Connor 2007).

These other genes responsible also rule over other conditions or abnormalities which might occur. Unusually "tall people run a greater risk of certain diseases such as cancers of the bladder, prostate and lungs," (Connor 2007). People carrying the HGMA2 gene tend to have vulnerability to certain conditions. GDF5 has also been linked to prediction of osteoporosis.