A human being’s genetics influence their body, traits, and other characteristics, but many common misconceptions about genetics and heredity persist. The Onion debunks some common myths about genes and genetics.
MYTH
Genes are the sole factor determining a person’s traits.
FACT
While genes are responsible for some traits, a person’s environment can also be scapegoated.
MYTH
All genetic mutations are harmful.
FACT
Some of them are gross too.
MYTH
Genetic sequencing is as simple as freshman biology led you to believe.
FACT
Those Punnett squares are a joke, your biology teacher lied to you, and she killed all those frogs for fun.
MYTH
Homosexuality is caused by a “gay gene.”
FACT
Homosexuality is caused by seeing your brother’s friends play basketball in the driveway in tight shorts.
MYTH
Children often inherit their mother’s eyes.
FACT
Countless families have been torn apart by children fighting over who will inherit their dead mother’s eyes.
MYTH
Genetically modified foods are bad for you.
FACT
You need to be eating more fruits and vegetables—let’s start there.
MYTH
Only certain people possess “disease genes.”
FACT
Every human body has the potential to be bankrupted by medical expenses.
