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 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 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.
One may wonder, how come all the different body cells contain the same DNA but the cells are completely different. This is because the genes in every part of the body like the skin, the brain and others the genes are expressed differently. This is why the cells in all the body parts are always going to appear different.
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.
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 believe that epigenetics can play a role in some cancers. Some genes might lack the ability to control how big a cell grows. These are what turn out to be tumors. These are because the body has no control over how large the cell becomes and it grows so large and makes some of the body functions quite difficult to be undertaken.
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.
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 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.
One may wonder, how come all the different body cells contain the same DNA but the cells are completely different. This is because the genes in every part of the body like the skin, the brain and others the genes are expressed differently. This is why the cells in all the body parts are always going to appear different.
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.
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 believe that epigenetics can play a role in some cancers. Some genes might lack the ability to control how big a cell grows. These are what turn out to be tumors. These are because the body has no control over how large the cell becomes and it grows so large and makes some of the body functions quite difficult to be undertaken.
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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