Genome Chapter 10

ASSIGNMENT:
Do 7th blog in GENOME

In chapter 10 of Genome, Matt Ridley talks about a gene on chromosome 10 called CYP17.  It produces an enzyme and converts cholesterol into three hormones, but the most important one is cortisol.  It is a hormone that "interferes with the immune system and alters various bodily functions."  The title of this chapter is called "Stress" because when you have a lot of cortisol in your body"you are-by definition- under stress."  Cortisol is a pesky hormone that reduces the number and lifespan of lymphocytes and as a result people who are under stress develop colds and other infections.  This is important because being under stress does cause many diseases to develop in the body.  For example, an ulcer can also be developed because of stress which can lead to gastritis.  I also learned that a human body is run both by the brain and the genome, who switch on hormone receptors.  They work simultaneously.  It's also informative that a person can prevent colds by releasing stress and instead thinking positively and living a happy life.  This relates to my life because as a junior in high school, many of my classmates and I tend to over stress in school especially when juggling AP's and extracurricular activities.  Now I know that the hormone cortisol is further more increasing our stress by worsening our immune system.  Therefore, chromosome 10 is very important in the human body and should receive higher acknowledgement.