2010 National DNA Day Online Chatroom Transcript

This is just one question from an archive of the National DNA Day Moderated Chat held in April 2010. The NHGRI Director and many genomics experts from across NHGRI took questions from students, teachers and the general public on topics ranging from basic genomic research, to the genetic basis of disease, to ethical questions about genetic privacy.

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My mom likes to work the night shift. Whenever I ask her why she has to work so late she always says "sex cells." Is she right about her night owl habits being genetic? And is it really X-linked because I always get up early so I think she's wrong. Thanks      Kate Reed, M.P.H., Sc.M.: I currently work as a genetic counselor with both children and adults. As a counselor, I help geneticists with diagnosing people with genetic conditions and helps families understand and adapt to diagnoses. I also works as a project director at the National Coalition for Health Professional Education in Genetics where she helps to teach doctors and other health professionals about genetics. Sleep patterns are determined by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Although not all of the genes have been identified, it is unlikely that they will all be on the X chromosome. As with all complex conditions and traits, each factor is likely to contribute a small amount to the overall trait. Therefore, both of your parents and your environment influence your sleeping pattern. Sleeping patterns also change over time, so don't be surprised if you become more of a night owl at some point, especially once you go to college. Samantha John in NJ (8th grade student)

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