Saturday 28 April 2018

Vital Notes To Have On Epigenetics

By Peter Brown


Genetic changes that do not encompass the DNA in the gene function are called epigenome. Functionally applicable variations to the genome that do not encompass an alteration in the nucleotide classification. This changes only affect the genes that are expressed without necessarily altering the genetic material classification. These alterations may last for several generations even though they do not involve changes in the genetic material sequence of an organism. This editorial consequently gives more insight on epigenetics.

Cellular differentiation is one example of epi-genetic modification whereby during the stage of morphogenesis one totipotent cell becomes pluripotent cells which conclusively becomes segregated cells. A productive egg cell continues to divide slowly and the resulting cells change into all the different cell types in an organism. This further triggers some genes while hindering the manifestation of other genetic factors.

Patterns of this concept are different in every individual, tissues in a person and varying body cells. The most common type of this generic modification is known as methylation. It involves connecting little molecules to different portions of the DNA. When this happens, that particular gene is silenced and it cannot produce any amount of protein.

Errors in the epi-genetic procedures are very serious. This is because they could lead to genetic disorders such as cancerous cells and disorders relating to food digestion and break down. The lifestyle of a parent or grandparent can directly affect the genes of their offspring. The environmental factors that an individual is exposed to pre and post birth can also contribute to alteration of their genes.

For instance, overeating has been known to trigger the genes that carry obesity. This means that apart from hurting the very individual who overeats, it can leave significant effects on their offspring. This could put them at risk of developing killer diseases or even incidences of premature death.

It is, therefore, the responsibility of every individual to make sure that they engage in healthy habits and behaviors. This will in turn ensure that the future generations are safe from dangerous diseases such as cancer and premature deaths. However, epi-genetics does not only apply to inheritance of negative characters and health risks but also in the inheritance of healthy components.

Male infertility is also attached to this process whereby in the last few years scientific studies have tried to explain male barrenness and its source. Nonetheless, most of the factors causing bareness have not been clearly identified yet. Studies done by scientists have shown there is abnormal methylation of stamp genetic materials that are highly correlated to male bareness. Most of the males do not go for checkup thus the problem is not solved right from the beginning.

Conclusively, it is imperative to note epigenetic study involves how the environment that is the toxins, exposures or even prolonged stress may lead to variations and this can be transgenerationally inherited. Environmental factors can lead to alteration in the gene factors that will subsequently affect the off springs. Inheriting these genes has been proven to be logical in as much as many studies have tried to counteract this.




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