Epigenetics: The Influence of Environment
Epigenetics is the study of changes in the gene expression of organisms. Epigenetic changes assist in normal cell differentiation, determining which genes of an organism will be turned either ‘on’ or ‘off’ during development (Masterpasqua, 2009). These changes to the epigenome can be linked to many different factors- recent research indicates that variations can be linked to intrinsic factors such as the genotype, or genes of the organism, or, arguably more importantly, extrinsic factors such as the environment, although the exact contribution of each factor is unknown (Aguilera et al., 2010). More simply, the factors that drive epigenetics are regarded as nature vs nurture. According to Masterpasqua (2009), there is evidence that both the prenatal …show more content…
as being any substance which has a psychological effect on the brain upon entering the body (Bernstein et al, 2013). While some of these are quite harmless, such as the caffeine found in coffee, the methylxanthines found in tea, and the theobromine found in chocolate, others can have dangerous effects. These dangerous psychoactive drugs often happen to be illegal, such as barbiturates, cocaine, MDMA, LSD, opium and heroin (Bernstein et al, 2013). Experiences and reactions to psychoactive drugs are various, and can range anywhere from pleasant to terrifying (Naditch, 1974). Pleasant reactions can include relaxation, euphoria, alertness, anxiety reduction and pain control (Bernstein et al, 2013), while acute reactions can include a loss of control, an increase of anxiety, disconnection from reality and intense fears of death (Naditch, 1974). Abuse of drugs can lead to these effects intensifying, and also lead to either psychological dependence or addiction, which can cause a strain on relationships between the addict and their family and friends, and have negative effects on the social, emotional and physical health of the
Epigenetics is the study of changes in the gene expression of organisms. Epigenetic changes assist in normal cell differentiation, determining which genes of an organism will be turned either ‘on’ or ‘off’ during development (Masterpasqua, 2009). These changes to the epigenome can be linked to many different factors- recent research indicates that variations can be linked to intrinsic factors such as the genotype, or genes of the organism, or, arguably more importantly, extrinsic factors such as the environment, although the exact contribution of each factor is unknown (Aguilera et al., 2010). More simply, the factors that drive epigenetics are regarded as nature vs nurture. According to Masterpasqua (2009), there is evidence that both the prenatal …show more content…
as being any substance which has a psychological effect on the brain upon entering the body (Bernstein et al, 2013). While some of these are quite harmless, such as the caffeine found in coffee, the methylxanthines found in tea, and the theobromine found in chocolate, others can have dangerous effects. These dangerous psychoactive drugs often happen to be illegal, such as barbiturates, cocaine, MDMA, LSD, opium and heroin (Bernstein et al, 2013). Experiences and reactions to psychoactive drugs are various, and can range anywhere from pleasant to terrifying (Naditch, 1974). Pleasant reactions can include relaxation, euphoria, alertness, anxiety reduction and pain control (Bernstein et al, 2013), while acute reactions can include a loss of control, an increase of anxiety, disconnection from reality and intense fears of death (Naditch, 1974). Abuse of drugs can lead to these effects intensifying, and also lead to either psychological dependence or addiction, which can cause a strain on relationships between the addict and their family and friends, and have negative effects on the social, emotional and physical health of the