Because human diseases have a genetic component, our genes can influence our susceptibility to illness. Certain diseases are inherited due to mutations in one's DNA, whilst other diseases arise from a combination of environmental factors and genetics. Numerous researchers and medical experts investigate this to learn how our genes affect our health and what we can do to maintain good health.

Cystic fibrosis is one ailment that is brought on by a single gene mutation. A mutation in the CFTR (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator) gene, which codes for the production of CFTR proteins, results in cystic fibrosis. The protein that controls the flow of salts into and out of cells is altered by the CFTR gene. Secretions become thick and sticky instead of thin and slick due to this transformation. Sweat, mucus, and digestive juices all get sticky and clog tubes, ducts, and other pathways harming vital organs including the digestive system and lungs.

Coronary artery disease is one instance of a disease that has numerous genetic causes. For instance, chromosome 19 contains a gene known as APOE (Apolipoprotein E), which codes for the production of the protein Apolipoprotein E. This protein forms lipoprotein molecules with fat, which encapsulates lipids and cholesterol and transports them through the blood. This indicates that in order for our body to regulate the amounts of cholesterol inside it, APOE is necessary. Since high cholesterol can obstruct the flow and cause issues for the heart and blood vessels, APOE is necessary for the body to regulate cholesterol levels. In addition to APOE, other genes linked to coronary artery disease include LDLR, 9p21 Locus, TNF, MTHFR, and ACE.

As mentioned in the previous paragraph, many factors in the environment impact our health. One factor is air quality, which shows how polluted the air is. When we breathe in large amounts of polluted air which contains chemicals and dust it may harm our lungs and the heart. Similar to the air, pollutants in the water such as lead or pathogens can harm our brain and development, and cause diseases. The UV rays from the sun are essential in our lives, but too much on our skin for a long time can lead to skin cancer and cause harm to our eyes. Not only the environment around us, but our daily habits also can impact our health. For example, not consuming sufficient amounts of food can lead to malnutrition, and foods that contain toxins also can make us sick. In a social context, not having enough money to access healthcare or food leads to health issues. Thus, the air we breathe in, the food and water we consume, and our social surroundings all play a big role in keeping our bodies healthy or making our bodies sick.

Genes are passed down from parents to their children and function as a blueprint for our bodies. Since parents' genes are passed on to their children, the children share their parents' physical characteristics. But genes that cause illnesses can also be inherited; appearances are not the only things that are inherited. The environment we live in can affect our body's health and potentially turn on or off genes that cause disease, even if we may be born with them. For example, if diabetes runs in a family, eating unhealthy food can make it more likely for them to get diabetes. Another example would be smoking can be more harmful for people who have a family history of lung problems. Therefore, some genes might cause diseases or harm to our body, but some genes have a possibility of turning off depending on our daily habits.

In conclusion, genes and the environment are like puzzles that shape our body's health. Understanding how the gene and the environment interact with each other helps doctors to identify who might be more at risk for certain illnesses. This means that doctors can give out personalized medicines for each person according to their patient’s genes. Not only prescribing medicines, but changing our lifestyle such as spending more time exercising or eating more nutritious food can be helpful. As said before, there is a possibility that the environment can turn parts of our genes off. Therefore, knowing how each gene and the environment interact can be a key to preventing diseases. 

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