Did you know that most, if not all, the food you eat has
been genetically selected for your eating pleasure? Shockingly true fact! Just
like humans, cells of plants and animals contain DNA, the genetic blueprint of
the organism. Within the DNA are genes, these genes code of everything from
sugar content in fruit, to growth rate in corn, to meat tenderness. And what
makes one apple sweeter and more appealing to eat then the next apple are variations
in the genes that code for sugar content. These subtle variations in sweetness
genes are termed polymorphisms. And over the years, farmers have selectively
bred fruits/vegetables/food animals for the characteristics that are desired.
This selective breeding process has allowed for better quality food, lower
priced food, and increased supply of food. Thus, farmers have used genetics to
improve the food industry long before humans have harnessed its power to treat
disease/illness.
So, next time you sit down to eat that tender steak or enjoy
that juicy orange, thank the farmers for genetically selecting the best
meat/produce for you and your family. Knowing that we have the power to
understand not only the genetics of our food supply but also the genetics of
our own body, doesn’t it just make sense that we should use it to create the
best life we can? No humans can’t selectively breed for ideal gene variants (also
known as polymorphisms), but we can determine which variants we have and select
the best medications or medical treatments for optimal outcomes.
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| From http;//genomealberta.ca |
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