Knowing what your parents have gives you hints of things, but your genome is a totally unique combination of and interchange of DNA from your parents. There is no one else like you genetically.
Craig VenterRead
In the past, geneticists have looked at so-called disease genes, but a lot of people have changes in their genes and don't get these diseases. There have to be other parts of physiology and genetics that compensate.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Genetic predispositions to diseases are not the sole factors; other physiological and genetic factors can influence health outcomes.
Craig Venter’s quote highlights the complexity of genetics and disease. While traditional genetic research has focused on identifying specific 'disease genes,' many individuals carry genetic variations without suffering from related illnesses. This suggests that there are additional physiological and genetic mechanisms at play that can either mitigate or protect against disease, emphasizing the need for a broader understanding of health beyond mere genetic determinism.
Themes
GeneticsDiseasePhysiologyHealthScience
In practice
Example use cases
In a seminar on health and wellness, one might quote this to discuss the importance of lifestyle over genetic determinism.
More from Craig Venter
All quotes →We're moving from reading the genetic code to writing it.
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A doctor can save maybe a few hundred lives in a lifetime. A researcher can save the whole world.
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The Anthropocentic Age - the first age in which humankind is the dominant species on the planet - cuts both ways: it is up to us to destroy or save the planet. We certainly have the ability.
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Genome design is going to be a key part of the future. That's why we need fast, cheap, accurate DNA synthesis, so you can make a lot of iterations of something and test them.
Craig VenterRead
Genomics are about individuals. It's about what's specific to you, not your siblings, not your parents - each of us is totally unique. We will only see that uniqueness by drilling down to the genetic code.
Craig VenterRead
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