Thursday, April 26, 2018

Vital Points To Have Epigenetics

By Peter Brown


In life, there is a reason why an offspring resembles their parent, in both cases of animals and plants. The science behind this resemblance has been attributed to the generic formation of the original DNA which goes way back in the evolution process. This is made possible by the genes that are transferred from the parent to the offspring. Information is passed on from one generation to the next, hence, the resemblance in appearance, behavior or even character. Therefore, one should understand the importance of the biological part of it known as 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.

Transgenerational inheritance involves genetic methylation which involves acquiring a genetic factor and passing it stably on through the gametes. This clearly shows that environmental exposures, experiences can alter the genetic factors without affecting the DNA and it could be passed on to your other generation that is your off springs.

This is because it can directly affect the occurrence of chronic diseases and behavioral complications. A good example of this is the high number of children who suffer from heart diseases due to exposure to famine during pregnancy. Despite the fact that human epigenetic indications are more permanent during adult age, they still can be altered by the lifestyle and environmental conditions.

Scientists and experts in the biological sector are using information gathered from this concept so as to try and come up with new approaches to illnesses with genetic beginnings. They are slowly engaging in the manufacture of drugs that can be able to cut off faulty genes. This could be a great step in an effort to prevent and cure serious sicknesses such as cancer and diabetes.

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.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment