اشترك في قائمة البريدية

Epigenetics, The Definition, And Examples

By Jason Wagner


This means being at the top of genetics. The turning on or off of certain genetics is known as epigenetics. This does not affect the DNA sequence, but it affects how it will be read. It can also be said to be the external modification of DNA and turns cells either on or off. It may live for the period a cell is still active, or it can last from childhood to adulthood. It can also be passed to the next generations at times.

It alters the physical structure of the DNA. An example of such a change is DNA methylation added to a methyl group or what is otherwise referred to as a chemical cap. This actually suppresses certain genes from being expressed. So the sequence of the DNA will appear the same, but the physical appearance of the organism will appear different.

Histone is a protein that DNA wraps itself round. This allows DNA to fit into all the cells. Without it, DNA would be very long and would not be able to fit anywhere. The DNA is also required not to wrap itself too tightly on to the histone otherwise the readability will be a challenge. There are modifications that relax the histone and make the readability easier.

Various genes express themselves differently depending on how strong and their functionality at different intervals. This is why the skin cell, brain cells, and muscle cells appear to be very different yet they have the same genetic composition. The fact that these cells are different is the reason why our body parts are also different. They, however, work together in order to conduct bodily functions and to the purpose they are intended to undertake on that instant.

As earlier mentioned, epigenetics can be passed from one generation to the next for a long time. This is likely to happen when they are present in the sperm cell, the egg cell or in both. However, it may not happen because of the reprogramming process. This occurs when the sperm and the egg cell combine to form a whole new cell. All the epigenetics may be erased. The fetus can start afresh.

Some of the sperm and egg cells do not go through this reprogramming process. This means the fetus will reserve this epigenetic cells. Once the egg is fertilized, and reprogramming does not occur, the epigenetics are carried on to the next generation. This means the foods taken before conception play a big role in the future of your child. This is however not yet proved in human beings.

Scientists seem to have the idea that some epigenetics have the ability to control cancer. Some epigenetics may suppress the ability of a cell to control its growth. The cell overgrows and begins to hinder the normal functioning of the body and the others surrounding it. This is what comes to be a tumor.

There are also cells that suppress the growth of genes that could help repair damaged DNA. This cause the immune system to be weak. The person will be at the risk of contracting diseases. Cancer will also have a very easy opportunity to inhabit the body of the search of a person.




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