As we all know, genes from our parents influence everything from height, weight, eye color, and other physical characteristics, to behavioral patterns in achievement, intelligence and motivation.

How do genes influence human development?

Genes can carry instructions that can make it more likely for you to develop certain illnesses or conditions. For example, Jennifer and Karen both have genes associated with obesity. Their genes could tell their body to: increase the size of their fat cells or dictate how they use fat in their body.

What is the role of genes in development?

A more balanced, and useful, view of the role of genes in development is that they act as suppliers of the material needs of development and, in some instances, as context-dependent catalysts of cellular changes, rather than as ‘controllers’ of developmental progress and direction.