Nishan (age 28) came to the clinic that day feeling very stressed and frustrated. As soon as he entered the room, he rubbed his neck and looked at the floor, remaining silent for a long time.
"Doctor, I read an article online last night about Richard Dawkins' book 'The Selfish Gene'. According to it, we are all just machines, like robots, designed to reproduce genes, working according to our genes. My father and grandfathers have high blood pressure and diabetes. So does that mean that my genes are programmed to make me sick in the same way? Don't we have any freedom to control our lives?" Nishan asked in great fear.
I looked at Nishan and smiled sympathetically. "Nishan, don't be afraid. Richard Dawkins, who wrote that book, used the word 'selfish' only as a zoological metaphor. That doesn't mean we don't have the freedom to live. Although genes are the blueprint for our lives, we are not just robots. We can control the way our genes function through our healthy habits, diet, and mental well-being. In medical science, this is called epigenetics. So today, let's talk about the relationship between this scientific concept of the selfish gene and our actual health."
What are genes?
Genes are tiny biological codes that contain the secret instructions needed to build and operate our entire body. They are located in the DNA molecules inside our cells.
These genes determine not only our eye color, height, and skin tone, but also how our immune system fights disease. Although genes may seem like inanimate chemical components, they are the main force that sustains life on Earth.
Are genes really immortal?
As humans, we all die someday. Our bodies are not eternal. But the genes inside our bodies do not die. They are passed down from generation to generation through our children and grandchildren.
Some genes can survive for millions of years without changing in the bodies of animals and humans. This is why Richard Dawkins called genes "immortal replicators." Natural selection ensures that only those genes that are best suited to the environment and can successfully pass on to the next generation survive.
Biological machines that carry genes (Survival Machines)
According to the concept of the "selfish gene," our bodies, both animals and humans, are designed to preserve and pass on our genes to the next generation. Dawkins called our bodies "survival machines" for genes.
- Eating: We eat to get the energy we need to maintain our bodies and protect our genes.
- Care of the chicks:Animals go to great lengths to protect their young, as they inherit 50% of their genes.
- Sexual attraction: Peacocks display their beautiful feathers to attract a mate and pass on their genes to the next generation.
Competition & Cooperation in Evolution
The survival of life is a constant competition. This competition occurs mainly between genes.
The race between the cheetah and the deer
The cheetah's genes try to give it faster running and sharper claws. So that the cheetah can catch prey and survive. On the other hand, the deer's genes try to give it faster reflexes and the ability to hide. Thus, the genes of both sides try to outdo each other, and this is called an evolutionary arms race.
Evolutionary Cooperation
Although genes are selfish, sometimes cooperation is essential for the survival of genes. For example, when bees pollinate flowers, they suck nectar. The cooperation between the bee and the flower helps to successfully carry on the genes of both parties.
Hox genes: Nature's time capsules
Hox genes are a very important group of genes that determine the structure of the body (head, trunk, limbs) of animals.
These genes have remained remarkably unchanged for hundreds of millions of years. The similarity between the Hox genes that determine the body shape of a fly and the Hox genes that determine the body shape of a human has even surprised scientists. These are true time capsules of nature, and this is strong evidence that all life on Earth evolved from a common ancestor.
The selfish gene and human behavior
Behind most of our behavior lies the instructions given by the brain to ensure the survival of genes.
- Parental love: Parents are willing to make any sacrifice for their children because their genes are present in the children. In genetics, this is called "kin selection".
- Love and Marriage: When we choose a partner, we subconsciously tend to choose someone who is healthier and has a better immune system, with the goal of producing stronger children.
🚨 Precautions and medical advice
If there are genetic conditions that run in your family, it's important to be aware of them.
Situations where you should immediately consult a doctor and seek advice:
- If several close family members have had cancer, heart attacks, or kidney failure at a young age.
- If both sides of the family of a couple looking to get married have hereditary blood disorders such as Thalassemia.
- If you are experiencing recurrent miscarriages while expecting a child.
Do's & Don'ts
| ✔️ Things to do (Do) | ❌ Don'ts |
|---|---|
| Be well informed about your family history. | Don't be afraid to think that just because there are diseases in your family, you will definitely get the same disease. |
| Control the negative effects of genes through a healthy diet and an active lifestyle. | Do not unnecessarily stress yourself out by thinking about genetic diseases without medical advice and testing. |
| If necessary, seek genetic counseling based on medical advice. | Avoid skipping tests recommended by your doctor during pregnancy. |
❓ Some other questions you may have (FAQ)
Does the selfish gene mean that we are all born selfish? ▼
No. The term 'selfish' is used here to describe the natural tendency of genes to pass on their copies to the next generation, not to describe human thought or moral behavior. In fact, this theory explains that cooperation and altruism between humans and animals often help genes survive.
If someone in my family has a genetic disease, will I definitely get it too? ▼
No. Although family history may increase your risk of developing a disease, it does not guarantee that you will develop it 100%. Many diseases, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease, are multifactorial. That is, in addition to genes, external factors such as your lifestyle, diet, exercise, and stress also determine whether or not those genes are activated.
Can genetic testing detect diseases early? ▼
Yes. According to current medical science, genetic tests using a blood sample can detect hereditary diseases that you may be at risk of developing in the future (e.g. BRCA1/BRCA2 gene mutations that determine the risk of breast cancer). This early detection allows you to take the necessary medical measures and lifestyle changes to prevent the disease.
Is gene editing with technology like CRISPR safe? ▼
CRISPR-Cas9 is a cutting-edge technology that can precisely cut and modify DNA. It is currently being clinically tested to treat serious genetic diseases such as hemophilia and sickle cell anemia, with great success. However, there are still rigorous scientific research and regulatory processes underway around the world regarding its safety and ethical issues.
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