Epigenetics

nutritional exposure during pregnancy could induce epigenetic changes in metabolic tissues of the offspring. There is increasing evidence that obesity has developmental origins such as, an exposure to a suboptimal nutrient supply before birth or in early infancy is associated with an increased risk of obesity and metabolic disease in later life(McMillen, Adam and Mühlhäusler, 2005; Waterland and Michels, 2007; McMillen et al., 2008). Animals studies have been performed to provide evidence that…

“What’s the epigenetic landscape?” I asked, my face creating the same puzzled expression as 20 other 14-year olds in the room. The white polo clad Ms. Bhargava gave us her typical vague metaphor, “It is a slope on a mountain with many ridges. The organic cell is a ball that is rolling down the slope. The ridges change the path of the ball, which is like points in time in which a cell gets more specialized. The epigenetic landscape is just a way to explain differentiation and specialization.”…

Epigenetics explains to us how certain lifestyle choices can affect gene expression. The concept of ‘lifestyle’ refers to factors such as nutrition, behavior, stress, physical activity etc.. Epigenetics is important category in the nutrition field because the bioactive compounds in certain foods can modify gene expression. Nutrients and bioactive food components can in have an impact on epigenetics by restraining enzymes that activate DNA methylation or histone modifications. DNA methylation is…

called transgenerational epigenetic inheritance and proofs that epigenetic markers can be inherited, even though it is not exactly understood how (Rakyan et al. 2011b). Also, Stochastics are an important factor in epigenetic variation. If the variation occurs early, like in the utero, it can affect the whole body of the individual, but If it occurs after birth or later in life, it could only affect certain cells (Rakyan et al. 2011b). A more known cause for epigenetic variation would be the…

There are many mechanisms of epigenetics, including such as de/acetylation and methylation of histones, hyper methylation of CpG islands and phosphorylation etc. Epigenetics can be both spontaneous and hereditary, with some forms of epigenetics, such as histone acetylation, being passed on through gametes. Some forms of epigenetics have large consequences, leading to some serious conditions e.g. Prader-Willi syndrome, whilst some can have longer term ramifications for future generations e.g.…

Epigenetic modifications/factors are heritable changes in gene activity and expression that occur without alteration in genomic DNA sequences. Epigenetic changes lead to the modulation of intrinsic gene activates, which are ultimately responsible for protein translation and cellular activities. In B cells, microRNAs are epigenetic factors that modulate the expression of Aicda, which is essential for Ig class switch DNA recombination (CSR) and somatic hypermutation (SHM), and Prdm1, which is…

Changing Technology and Epigenetics The ever-changing role of technology has surely changed the generations and the way we interact with one another. As described in Sharon Moalem’s essay on epigenetics, “Changing Our Genes: How Trauma, Bullying and Royal Jelly Alter Our Genetic Destiny," researchers have uncovered the relationship between environmental changes and the impact these changes can have on future generations. Carrying that theory out just a little further, why can’t the role of…

pieces of information that recommended quality capacity could be modified by more than just changes in succession (Weinhold, 2006). Dr. Ali Shilatifard stated that “Epigenetics is categorized as a steadily acquired phenotype coming about because of changes in a chromosome without modifications…

histones. They are wrapped around the DNA and the Methyl group that are attached to it. Of course we are taught that our DNA makes up who we are as far as characteristics; However, epigenetics explain how we become unique with the assistance of our health and the environment around us. Health Lifestyle +Environment Epigenetics Our health, lifestyle, and environment determine our internal and external body development and health. Epigenes change…

alleles that separate independently in gametes. Although Mendel’s contribution to genetics isn’t wrong, there are some exceptions of inheritances that do not follow Mendel’s principles. Non-mendelian inheritance traits include maternal effects, epigenetics, and extranuclear genes. What makes traits non-mendelian is if their phenotypic patterns do not follow in accordance with Mendels laws. Maternal effects being one of the many exceptions to Mendels laws, involves the pattern of inheritance in…