How Does Genetics Influence Toxicological Responses?
Genetics plays a pivotal role in determining an individual's response to toxic substances. Genetic variations can affect metabolism, enzyme activity, and receptor sensitivity. For example, polymorphisms in the cytochrome P450 enzyme family can alter the metabolism of drugs and chemicals, leading to variations in detoxification efficiency. Some individuals may metabolize a substance quickly, reducing toxicity, while others may be genetically predisposed to accumulate toxic metabolites, increasing risk.
