Introduction

The terms genetic and congenital are often confused as synonyms, but in reality they are two different terms that refer to different aspects of inheritance and development of a living being. In this article we will explore the difference between genetic and congenital.

Genetic

The term genetic refers to everything that is related to genes or heredity. Genes are the fundamental units of heredity and determine the physical and biological characteristics of a living being. Genes are inherited from parents and are maintained throughout generations. A genetic mutation can change the characteristics of a living being and be transmitted to its offspring.

genetic diseases

Genetic diseases are those disorders that are due to a mutation or alteration in genes. of a person. These diseases may be inherited from one or both parents, or may be the result of a spontaneous mutation. Examples of genetic diseases include Huntington's disease, hemophilia, cystic fibrosis, and Tay-Sachs disease.

Congenital

The term congenital refers to everything that is present in a living being from birth. These congenital traits can be influenced by genetic or environmental factors, such as exposure to toxic substances during pregnancy.

Congenital defects

Congenital defects are anomalies or malformations present in a living being from birth. These defects can be caused by genetic factors, environmental factors, or a combination of both. Examples of birth defects include spina bifida, cleft lip, and Down syndrome.

Conclusions

In summary, the main difference between genetic and congenital lies in their origin. Genetic refers to heredity and genes, while congenital refers to traits present at birth. Both terms can have implications for the health and development of a living being, so it is important to understand the difference between them.

References

• Genetic Home Reference. (2021). What is a Gene? https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/primer/basics/gene
• Mayo Clinic. (2020). Congenital Defects. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/congenital-defects/symptoms-causes/syc-20369766

In conclusion, the difference between genetic and congenital is essential to understand various aspects of heredity and health of living beings.

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