What Are Epigenetics And Some Examples

By Jason Wagner


It is basically an external modification to DNA that turns certain genes either off or on. The word epigenetics means above or on top of genes. They do not affect the DNA sequence but rather how they read. These factors can last up to the end of the lifetime of a cell. It may also be passed on to other generations but never affecting the DNA sequence. It may last from childhood to adult hood.

It can at times alters DNA. For example, a DNA methylation may be added to a methyl cap and may cause alteration to the genetic appearance. It may lead to the suppression of some genes. This will deny some genes the opportunity to be expressed. The physical appearance of the person or animal may appear different, but the DNA structure appears to be the same.

DNA is very long. It would not be able to fit into a cell was It not for a protein known as histone. DNA does not squash the protein, however. It lays out itself comfortably. If the DNA is too tight, it will be impossible to read because of the DNA reading cells. The modifications make the histone relax, and the material is easier to read.

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 can be passed on to different generations, but this is not always the case. They may be in the egg cell, the sperm cell or in both. Once the egg and sperm fuse, they may undergo a process known as reprogramming. This is when all the previous genes are erased, and the fetus is formed. The fetus can then start from scratch forming its own epigenetics.

This is however not always the case. Some of this genetics are resistant to the reprogramming process. This means that that genetics is going to be passed on to the child once the egg is fertilized. This means like factors such as food ingested before the conception of the child, may actually affect the future of the child. It is however yet to be proven 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 cells whose job is to reconstruct damaged DNA. Some epigenetics may cause this to be impossible. This means that DNA will be damaged continually with no way of getting repaired. This is one of the ways of letting cancer out.




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