our DNA codes for your height. So if my DNA says I should have been 6 foot 5, then why am I only 6 foot 1?

Question

I told my DNA that I wanted to be shorter

my parents decided that I would be short

the environment, like getting enough sleep, eating right, being around second-hand smoke, played a role in how my DNA was expressed

a mutation occurred that made me a shorter X-Men

Answer 1

Your height is influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. While your DNA does carry the genetic information that can predispose you to a certain height, it’s important to note that height is a polygenic trait, meaning it is influenced by many different genes, as well as environmental factors.

So, while your DNA might suggest you could have been 6'5", several factors can lead to the height you ultimately achieve:

1. Genetics: Your parents' heights and overall genetic makeup play a significant role in determining your own height.

2. Environmental Factors: Factors such as nutrition, health during childhood, physical activity, and overall well-being can all impact how your genes are expressed. For instance, getting enough sleep and proper nutrition during your growth years can contribute to reaching your full potential height.

3. Epigenetics: This involves how environmental factors can influence gene expression. This means that even if you have the genes for taller stature, if other conditions aren’t favorable (like malnutrition or chronic illness), you may not reach that potential.

4. Hormonal Factors: Hormones such as growth hormone and sex hormones also play significant roles in growth and can be influenced by both genetics and environment.

In summary, height is a complex trait resulting from the interplay of genetics and environment, so even though your DNA may "code" for a certain height, various factors can lead to differences in actual height.