Final answer:
Genetic polymorphisms, including SNPs and structural variations, significantly influence individual metabolic capacities, affecting how drugs and other compounds are metabolized. This is a key area of study in pharmacogenomics, which aims to personalize medical treatment based on genetic makeup.
Step-by-step explanation:
Genetic polymorphisms are variations in DNA sequences that can affect an individual's ability to metabolize certain substances, including medications and environmental toxins. These variations, often in the form of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) or larger structural variations in the genome, can influence how effectively enzymes convert substances from an active to inactive form or vice versa. Pharmacogenomics studies these genetic differences to optimize drug therapies, adjusting dosages or selecting alternative medications to minimize side effects and maximize efficacy. For example, enzymes coded by genes with high polymorphism may result in different metabolic speeds among populations, affecting drug activation and deactivation rates. This variation in genetic makeup, notably in the enzymes encoded by these genes, contributes to the diversity of metabolic responses observed across individuals.