Perhaps it's time to clear something up. I get annoyed when I hear the word genetic used out of context. For example, if a homeopathic treatment does not work it is NOT because of something genetic blocking the energy. It is because the homeopathic tincture is not used at a therapeutic dose (most likely), and not because of any interaction with a gene.
Genetics is the study of how genes are inherited in a population. A geneticist for example will be interested in the frequency of gene variation, as it relates to a human trait or characteristic.
If something is genetic, that means it is an inherited trait. Take tongue rolling. The ability to roll your tongue is a dominant trait. If you have the gene for tongue rolling you will be able to roll your tongue. Try it now. Yes? You could be homozygous (+/+ two alleles) for the gene, or heterozygous (+/- one allele). No? You are definitely homozygous (-/- two alleles) without the gene. Tongue rolling is a Mendelian genetic example. Mendelian genetics demonstrates that our genes are inherited equally from each parent. We get one allele from each gene from each parent, as shown below.
Many inherited traits, also called phenotypes, are the result of a number of genes. This genetic make-up which includes normal gene variation, is known as the genotype. Now, some cancers are inherited, therefore it is correct to say that they have a genetic link, but in many cases cancer is a multi-factorial complex disease, being caused by more than one gene or other factor. Many cancers are not inherited but occur as a result of a spontaneous gene mutation or gene fault, most likely in response to an environmental or lifestyle factor, such as smoking. Smoking could be said to be mutagenic (affecting gene function) or carcinogenic (causing cancer). I have previously written about gene-environment interactions here.
With this simple illustration, I hope you have understood the difference between genes, genetics and mutagenic. If this bite-sized guide to genetics has whet your appetite, you will find a good reference here.
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If something is genetic, that means it is an inherited trait. Take tongue rolling. The ability to roll your tongue is a dominant trait. If you have the gene for tongue rolling you will be able to roll your tongue. Try it now. Yes? You could be homozygous (+/+ two alleles) for the gene, or heterozygous (+/- one allele). No? You are definitely homozygous (-/- two alleles) without the gene. Tongue rolling is a Mendelian genetic example. Mendelian genetics demonstrates that our genes are inherited equally from each parent. We get one allele from each gene from each parent, as shown below.
With this simple illustration, I hope you have understood the difference between genes, genetics and mutagenic. If this bite-sized guide to genetics has whet your appetite, you will find a good reference here.