NANP Board Practice Exam

According to the concept of plastic heredity, what determines whether inherited genes related to disease are exposed?

1. Inheritance patterns

2. Genetic mutations

3. Lifestyle choices

4. Random chance

The correct answer is: Inheritance patterns

The concept of plastic heredity emphasizes the interaction between genetic factors and environmental influences in determining the expression of inherited traits, including susceptibility to diseases. The idea here is that it's not just the genes themselves that dictate whether a disease becomes evident, but also the inheritance patterns and how they interact with environmental factors. Inheritance patterns can illustrate how certain genetic traits are passed down and how they can manifest under specific circumstances, ultimately shaping an individual's health outcomes. This understanding aligns with the theory that genes may predispose an individual to certain conditions, but how these genes express themselves often depends on factors such as environment, lifestyle, and diet—elements that are encapsulated in the broader interpretation of inheritance patterns. For instance, a person may inherit a gene associated with a disease, but whether that disease manifests can depend significantly on lifestyle choices, environmental triggers, and other factors. The other options, while relevant to the discussion of genetics and disease, do not capture the fundamental principle of plastic heredity as effectively as the nature of inheritance patterns does.