Sunday, December 31, 2017

What Are Epigenetics And Some Examples

By Jason Wagner


They can turn some genes off or on at some point. It is an external modification of DNA. Epigenetics, are traits that are above all the genes. It does not affect the sequence of the DNA, but it does how the DNA reads. It may live in the body of a person for as long as some cells are still alive. In others, it lasts in their life time from childhood to adulthood. It may also be passed over generations.

When DNA methylation is added to a methyl group or a chemical cap, it may cause some alteration to the genetic material. It alters the physical structure of the DNA but never the sequence. This can actually lead to the suppression of some genes. This means that those genes will not have the chance to be expressed. The structure will be the same, but the physical appearance will be 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.

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.

Epigenetics may actually have a role in the development of some cancers. Some of the genes kill the ability to control how big a cell grows. This means that the cell could overgrow at a very rapid rate. It may eventually stat to inhibit normal bodily functions in various body parts. It the end, it turns out to be a tumor.

Some others are known to suppress the cells responsible for repairing the damaged DNA. When these are suppressed the immune system grows weak. This is one of the ways cancer is able to inhabit the body of the person.




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