The Code That Built You

11 May 2025

8 Min Read

Dr Sreelakshmi Sankara Narayanan (Academic Contributor)

IN THIS ARTICLE

Contributed by Dr Sreelakshmi Sankara Narayanan, whose research focus on biosciences. She can be reached at sreelakshmi.narayanan@taylors.edu.my.

Every part of you—from the shape of your nose to the way you laugh when you're nervous—is influenced by a microscopic instruction manual hidden inside your cells. This manual is your DNA (short for deoxyribonucleic acid). It’s the reason your hair curls (or doesn’t), why your eyes are a certain shade, and even why you might love music or hate coriander.

But DNA does more than just define your looks—it quietly shapes how your body works, your personality quirks, and even your health. So, what is this mysterious code, and how does it make you?

How DNA Shapes Who You Are

At its core, DNA is like a set of instructions your body follows to grow, develop, and function. These instructions are stored in tiny sections called genes, which are like pages in the body’s instruction manual.

Think about how you inherited certain features from your parents—maybe you’ve got your dad’s height or your mum’s dimples. That’s because you get half your genes from each parent, and together, these combinations make you unique.

_{You share 60% of your genes with a banana.}

_{Yes, really. While it might sound bananas, humans and bananas have many of the same basic cellular functions—like copying DNA or producing energy—and the genes that control those functions are surprisingly similar. This doesn’t mean you’re part banana, of course, but it shows just how connected all living things are through evolution.}

Some traits are determined by dominant and recessive genes. For instance, darker eye colours like brown and black—which are far more common in Asia—are usually dominant.

So even if someone carries a gene for lighter eyes (like grey or green), the dominant dark-eye gene often takes over. That’s why naturally blue or light-coloured eyes are extremely rare in this part of the world—though they can still appear due to rare genetic mutations or unique gene combinations.

_{While blue eyes are uncommon in Asians, they can occur due to rare genetic mutations affecting melanin in the iris. In some cases, it’s linked to conditions like Waardenburg syndrome, or simply an unexpected combination of genes. So yes, blue eyes can appear—even without mixed ancestry.}

Even things like curly hair, skin tone, and whether you can roll your tongue are all coded in your DNA. It’s like a recipe that no one else has—one that makes you, you.

Can DNA Influence Personality, Preferences, and Abilities?

Here’s where things get even more interesting. Scientists are still trying to untangle just how much of our personality and preferences are influenced by our genes.

The Personality Blueprint

Research has found links between specific genes and traits such as empathy, impulsivity, and even how easily you feel stress or anxiety. Some people call the OXTR (Oxytocin Receptor) gene the ‘empathy gene’ because certain versions of it have been linked to how easily someone connects with others on an emotional level.

_{A special version of the DRD4 (Dopamine Receptor D4) gene—called the 7-repeat allele—has been linked to curiosity, thrill-seeking, and a love for new experiences. People with this gene variant may crave adventure more than others, possibly because their brains respond differently to dopamine, the ‘feel-good’ chemical tied to rewards and motivation.}

Why You Might Hate Petai

Even your food preferences might be written into your genetic code. Scientists have discovered that people who dislike bitter vegetables like petai or kailan may have a version of the TAS2R38 (Taste Receptor Type 2 Member 38) gene, which makes them more sensitive to bitter tastes.

_{Your ability to enjoy spicy food could come down to the TRPV1 (Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1) gene, which affects how your body senses heat and pain. People with certain variations of this gene may feel the burn of chilli more intensely—so while some find sambal addictive, others feel like their mouth is on fire after just one bite.}

The Talent Factor

As for talents, certain genetic markers have been associated with musical ability, rhythm sensitivity, and even memory retention. So if you find it easy to learn instruments or have a ‘photographic’ memory, your DNA might have played a part. In fact, one gene called COMT (Catechol-O-methyltransferase) influences how quickly your brain processes information—potentially affecting learning speed or focus.

What Role Do Genes Play in Health and Inherited Conditions?

Just like your genes influence how you look and feel, they also play a big part in your health. Everything from how fast your body burns energy to how well you recover from a cold can be traced back to the microscopic instructions written in your DNA.

Can You Digest Milk?

Let’s start with something relatable—lactose intolerance. Some people can enjoy a glass of milk or a cheesy pizza without any trouble, while others feel bloated or unwell soon after.

_{Whether you can digest milk as an adult depends on a gene called LCT (Lactase), which controls the production of lactase—the enzyme that breaks down lactose. In many Asian populations, this gene slows down after childhood, making lactose intolerance much more common in the region.}

Genes That Protect—or Put You at Risk

Your DNA can also affect how likely you are to develop certain health conditions. For instance, sickle cell anaemia is caused by a mutation in the HBB (Haemoglobin Subunit Beta) gene and is more common in people with ancestry from Africa, the Middle East, and parts of South Asia. Interestingly, carrying just one copy of this gene mutation can offer some protection against malaria—a reminder that not all mutations are harmful.

Why Some People Are Built for Sport

Ever wonder why some people seem naturally fast, strong, or full of stamina? Genes play a part in that too. The ACTN3 (Alpha-Actinin-3) gene—sometimes called the ‘sprint gene’—is linked to explosive muscle power.

Around one in five people worldwide lack a working copy of the ACTN3 gene—and they’re perfectly healthy. In fact, some research suggests that this gene variation may slightly favour endurance performance (like marathon), though the advantage is still debated and depends on many other factors.

Genetics can offer clues about your strengths, but they don’t define your path. Intelligence, creativity, and performance are shaped just as much by your environment, experiences, and choices. We're still far from letting DNA decide our future—but it can help us better understand ourselves.

— Dr Sreelakshmi Sankara Narayanan

How Is Genetic Research Unlocking What Makes Each Person Unique?

Thanks to breakthroughs in genetic research, scientists are now decoding what makes each of us biologically unique. The Human Genome Project was a major milestone—it mapped all the genes in human DNA and opened the door to more personalised science and medicine.

Today, tools like CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) allow researchers to precisely edit genes, offering the potential to fix harmful mutations or prevent genetic diseases. We can now identify specific genes linked to traits like eye colour, learning ability, and even how likely someone is to develop certain illnesses.

In some cancer treatments, doctors can now match a drug to a tumour’s exact genetic mutation—meaning two patients with the same type of cancer might receive completely different treatments. It’s no longer just about where the cancer is in the body, but how it behaves at the genetic level

Genetic testing is also becoming more common. From predicting future health risks to uncovering hidden talents or tracing your ancestry, it’s giving people powerful insights into who they are.

Conclusion

Inside every cell is a tale that began long before you—but continues through you. Your DNA may hold the script, but you shape how the next chapter unfolds. As science reveals more about our genetic makeup, the future of health, learning, and self-discovery is becoming more personal than ever.

And if that excites you, maybe biology is where your story continues.

Curious about the code that built you? Start your journey with Foundation in Science and discover how biology, chemistry, and more lay the groundwork for breakthroughs in biotechnology—from genetics to future medicine.

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