Tuesday, 1 May 2018

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.

DNA wraps itself around a protein known as histone. This protein is what enables the comfortable accommodation of DNA inside a cell. Otherwise, the DNA will be too long to fit into one cell. If the histone is too tight on the DNA, the cell cannot recognize it. There are however modifications that relax histones so that the genetic material can be readable in cells.

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.

Epigenetics may actually be passed on to the next generation. This may happen if they are present in the sperm or egg cell or both. However, the epigenetics are erased when the sperm and egg combine to form a fertilized egg. This process is called reprogramming. It is where the cells of the fetus are given a chance to form their own epigenetics.

The reprogramming is not guaranteed to happen in all the cases. This means that the epigenetics may be transferred on to the fetus. The food that was ingested before conception may actually affect the future of the baby. It is therefore important to eat well. This theory is however yet to be proved to have worked 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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