The role of genetic factors in maintaining health
Intended for healthcare professionals
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The role of genetic factors in maintaining health

Maggie Kirk Lead professional specialist (nursing), NHS National Genetics Education and Development Centre, School of Care Sciences, University of Glamorgan, Pontypridd, Wales

This article reviews the essential background information nurses need to help them understand how genetics influences health and ill-health. The typical human genetic make-up is described, along with an explanation of how changes to this can result in disease. The author also describes the characteristics of different patterns of inheritance.

Nursing Standard. 20, 4, 50-54. doi: 10.7748/ns2005.10.20.4.50.c3971

Correspondence

mkirk@glam.ac.uk

Peer review

This article has been subject to double blind peer review

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