How do genes shape the inheritance of physical characteristics?

Answer 1

This is a complicated question to answer but the long and short of it is this:

Growth and development are controlled by a few different hormones in your body, such as human growth hormone. The production of these hormones is triggered by your genes when specific proteins are being produced. Sometimes these triggers are an ongoing, lifelong process where other times these hormones are only turned on for a short period of time and then shut off.

For example, HGH is something controlled by a feedback loop at all times. It controls when new cells need to be produced and hence growth will occur.

When a baby is first conceived, there is a gene that will control if the baby becomes a boy or girl.... this is known as the SOX gene. If the SOX is activated, the baby will become a boy. If it is not activated, then it will become a girl. But this is a one time occurrence that happens at a specific time during development in the womb.

Other hormones include those involved in puberty. Although constantly being produced, their levels are controlled by these feedback mechanisms as well. Genes are what directs and controls these feedback loops through their protein synthesis.

Answer 2

Genes are responsible for everything that makes you "you" from the color of your hair to the shape of your hands and the diseases you will be suseptible to later in life. From your life expectancy to how keen your eyesight is...

Answer 3

No, your development is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors.