Wednesday, April 4, 2018

Epigenetics, The Definition, And 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 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.

As earlier mentioned, epigenetics can be passed from one generation to the next for a long time. This is likely to happen when they are present in the sperm cell, the egg cell or in both. However, it may not happen because of the reprogramming process. This occurs when the sperm and the egg cell combine to form a whole new cell. All the epigenetics may be erased. The fetus can start afresh.

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.

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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