Many people are familiar with single-gene disorders, but what’s less known is that these conditions are far less common than disorders influenced by multiple genes and environmental factors.

Modifier Genes

Even in cases where a single gene mutation causes a disorder, other genes – known as modifier genes, often play a role in determining the severity of the condition. So, when reports claim that scientists have found a single-gene responsible for traits like alcoholism or sexual orientation, they can be misleading, as they fail to account for the influence of modifier genes.

Human Behaviour

In reality, human behaviour is shaped by a complex interaction between multiple genes and environmental influences. Recognising this complexity has shifted scientific research away from focusing on individual genes and toward studying entire genomes – leading to the emergence of behavioural genomics. Also known as behavioural genetics, this field explores how both genetics and the environment contribute to human behaviour.

We know children’s behaviour traits aren’t always down to their parents. By us being able to examine genetic influences, we can glean more information about how the environment operates and how it will affect children’s behaviour.

Other factors include:

• Our grand-parents’ genes;
• Luck;
• Human nature.

Conclusion

It is only when you look at and equate a child’s behaviour you see different character and personality traits from our grandparent's genes.

Our genes and environment play a big part in understanding and uncovering human behaviour. With this new information, it is important we take the time to understand exactly how behaviour works and know that children’s behaviour isn’t always down to our parenting. Other factors also include, luck and human nature.

It doesn’t always help us, but it does bring about understanding. It would be up to our children to understand their own behaviour and work to change some of those character traits. (Source: nature.com)