Home > Medical > Genetics Genetics All sections in Genetics » About Genetics » Gene Therapy » Genes and disease » Genes and Obesity » Health Tips » Nature vs Nurture » Genetics News » Paternity Testing » Stem Cells Gene behind early onset puberty Scientists have discovered a gene that could help children with 'central precocious puberty,' give insights to development. Success at school may be in the genes Researcher admits mistakes in stem cell study Cloning technique produces human stem cells Weight gain may be determined by genes See All Genetics News » What is Genetics? Genes contain instructions for how our bodies grow and develop. They can be thought of as a kind of blueprint for the body, similar to the drawings used to build a building. Genes dictate in which order amino acids are produced, which in turn determines which proteins are produced. And, it is through regulating proteins that genes wield their crucial power over human biology. Proteins play an essential role in the functioning and development of the human body. If, however, there is something wrong on a genetic level, the right proteins, or the right quantities of a specific protein, may not be produced and lead to impaired functioning or disease. Take Action Check Assess your diabetes risk » Quiz Am I at risk for COPD? » Talk Man Talk forum » Ask CyberDoc » 10 ways to boost your metabolism World's Most Famous TB Patients advertisement About genetics Down syndrome Huntington's disease Metabolic disorders Achondroplasia See All About genetics » Genes and disease Quick facts on rare disease Cancer and genetics Iron overload: a silent killer 8 May is World Thalassaemia Day See All Genes and disease » Nature vs nurture Perfect pitch in tune with genetics? Rich and attractive? See All Nature vs nurture » Stem cells Timeline: stem cells Stem cell, hard sell Stem cell research: where it is at Stem cells – hope or hype? See All Stem cells » Gene therapy To wish upon a Stargardt miracle Gene therapy: what you should know Genetically altered athletes: fact or fiction? Medicine – the udder alternative See All Gene therapy » Genes and obesity Gene tests solve diet riddles Genes, diet and disease More on gene tests and your diet See All Genes and obesity » Paternity testing How DNA will tell if Happy is Jannie Who’s your daddy? See All Paternity testing » From our sponsors Don’t be taken by surprise this winter, keep your defences up with Vital Hop, skip and jump through winter with Hill’s Pet Nutrition Age-related bone loss is higher in women Conduct your most important Medihelp business from your mobile phone