Epigenetic - Research Paper Example

Epigenetics In genetics, the term epigenetics represents a change in the way genes expresses themselves without any accompanying change in DNA sequence. Epigenetics represents a change that is not physically manifested, but rather, it represents a physiological or functional dynamism at the gene level. Epigenetic changes are characterized by features that are independent of DNA changes but are mostly influenced by external factors like the environment (Tost, 2008). This paper aims at discussing epigenetics and the factors influencing epigenetics. According to the epigenetic video from PBS, epigenetics is illustrated by the use of DNA gotten from identical twins, which are genetically identical. There are substances called tags that can be methyl groups, which are combinations of carbon and hydrogen. These tags can also be other substances apart from methyl groups like proteins which attach to genes inhibiting their expression by either tightening or loosening them. These tags lead to the emergence of new factors that control the way this new modified gene will be expressed. These factors are called Epigenomes (Craig & Wong, 2011). Epigenomes are transferred from one cell to another through replication of cells, which takes place in cell division, but they are not permanent. Epigenomes can either promote or suppress the expression of a gene, which depends on whether the trait it codes for is desirable or not desirable. This is because they are also subject to modification by other external factors that can be introduced in the future life cycle of the cell. This causes a difference in the way a gene gets expressed. These tags are products that are introduced into the cell from the external being of the cell. Most of these substances come from the environment and the food that we eat. The kind of lifestyle individuals leads also determines the epigenome that develops. The epigenome also has an impact on the way their genes are expressed (Allis, Jenuwein & Reinberg, 2007). According to the video, there are various research initiatives involving twins where it is clearly demonstrated that epigenetics plays an immense role in the observable differences witnessed in identical twins. It was illustrated that there was the similar expression of Epigenomes in young twins, but there was a marked difference in older identical twins. This was attributed to differences in environmental factors that each got exposed to as time passed. There were two twins, where one of them was diagnosed with cancer while the other one did not have cancer. This serves as a good example to complement the argument that environmental factors have a part to play in genetic expression. This is because epigenetic mechanisms determine the phenotype without changes occurring in the genotype (DeWitt et al, 2007). This means that people have a part to play where their health is concerned because they can choose to lead healthier lifestyles. This would impact positively on the development of favorable Epigenomes because an unhealthy lifestyle translates to the introduction of unfavorable substances into the cells. These substances in turn negatively impact on the formation of detrimental Epigenomes that can cause the development of cancer and other undesirable conditions. Epigenetics is currently being put into focus by researchers because it has become clear that it has a vital role in the development of diseases in the human body. These diseases include cancer, diabetes, heart diseases, hypertension, and obesity. The lifestyle that individuals adopt significantly affects them not only at the social, economic and cultural level but also at the gene level. This is illustrated by epigenetics where there is the inheritance of changes in gene expression that were caused by external factors other than intrinsic DNA factors (Gasser & Li, 2011). The role that epigenetics play in our everyday life is extremely valuable, and it requires people to pay close attention to the life they lead. Epigenetics play a key role in ensuring that females remain females by inhibiting the expression of male genes in genotype. Epigenetics and the development of Epigenomes are crucial in the development of diseases and should be exploited to shed more light on the development of killer diseases like cancer. Epigenetics can be used to elucidate the factors that facilitate the development of these diseases and ways can be formulated on how to curb them. After completing the Family History Questionnaire on epigenetics, I was able to identify instances in our family history where there were features which can be attributed to epigenetics. My grandmother was diabetic, and one of her daughters, who is my aunt, is also diabetic. The lifestyle led by grandmother is also the same lifestyle led by my auntie, which shows that they are all exposed to almost the same environmental factors and stimuli. These factors and stimuli could have contributed to the development of Epigenomes that promote the development of diabetes. The condition suffered by auntie could also be attributed to inheritance, whereby she could have inherited the epigenome favorable to diabetes from her mother. There is also a characteristic of all male members of the family developing premature white hair independently of their age. This can also be explained through the study of epigenetics, where the epigenome responsible for premature white hair in males, is inhibited by a female-specific epigenome. People can improve their life expectancy ratings by controlling the environment they live in and the things they associate with their bodies. An example of my family is that there has never been a case of cancer may be because all members of my family are mostly farmers. This means that their diet was better than it is now because it originated from the farm. There was little contact with processed food as is evident these days, which can contribute to the development of lifestyle diseases like obesity and hypertension. A good understanding of epigenetics can help people improve their life expectancy ratings. It makes them aware of factors that can affect their health. This information is used in designing lifestyle changes that can improve one’s health and prolong their life. Epigenetics as an area of study can be used to further research aimed at developing solutions and cures to life-threatening conditions like cancer and diabetes. References Allis, C. D., Jenuwein, T. & Reinberg, D. (2007). Epigenetics. Illustrated Edition. New York: CSHL Press. Craig, J. M. & Wong, N. C. (2011). Epigenetics: A Reference Manual. Illustrated Edition. Norfolk: Caister Academic Press. DeWitt, Natalie, et al. (2007). Epigenetics. Nature 447.7143: 395. Academic OneFile.Web. 6Th Apr. Gasser, S. M. & Li, E. (2011).Epigenetics and Disease. Illustrated Edition. London: Springer. Tost, J. (2008). Epigenetics. Norfolk, UK: Caister Academic Press. Read More