Genetics and the environment play an integrated role in determining the traits, behavior, and growth of living organisms. Genetics represents the genetic material inherited from parents to offspring, while the environment includes all external factors that influence how these traits appear and are expressed. Genes determine the basic characteristics of an organism, such as eye color, height, and susceptibility to certain diseases. However, these traits do not always appear in a fixed manner; rather, they are greatly influenced by environmental factors such as nutrition, climate, pollution, lifestyle, and the level of healthcare. For example, an individual may carry genes that support healthy growth, but poor nutrition can hinder the normal expression of this trait. This mutual influence is known as the interaction between genes and the environment, where environmental factors can activate or suppress certain genes, a process referred to as gene expression. The field of epigenetics has contributed significantly to explaining how the environment affects gene regulation without altering the basic genetic structure. This interaction is particularly evident in the field of health, as many genetic diseases may not manifest unless specific environmental conditions are present, such as diabetes, heart diseases, and certain types of cancer. Moreover, improving environmental conditions and adopting a healthy lifestyle can reduce the impact of disease-related genes. In conclusion, understanding the interaction between genetics and the environment is essential for comprehending the nature of living organisms, improving human health, and developing preventive and therapeutic strategies based on integrated scientific principles. Al-Mustaqbal University is the first university in Iraq