TY - CHAP M1 - Book, Section TI - Genetics: Unity and Diversity A1 - Schaefer, G. Bradley A1 - Thompson, Jr., James N. Y1 - 2017 N1 - T2 - Medical Genetics: An Integrated Approach AB - If asked for one phrase to define the theme of this text on medical genetics, it might be "the cascade of consequences." This is a major departure from the simple view that a gene causes a trait. Traits can be appearance, behavior, or body chemistry. For much of recent history, and certainly in common discussion, one imagines that a gene has a simple and direct effect on a character. For example, one might say that albinism is caused by the "a" gene (Figure 1-1). While this view is not quite wrong, the reality is both more complex and more interesting. There is in fact an intricate interaction among genes, hormones, enzymes, membrane receptors, neuron networks, and so on that creates a maze of connections that prescribes our individual functional and developmental path. Many of these pathways and interactions are shared by even distantly related animals. There is both unity and diversity in the genetics of life. SN - PB - McGraw-Hill Education CY - New York, NY Y2 - 2024/04/19 UR - accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1147721842 ER -