What is epigenetics?

 

Epigenetics.

Epigenetic is a new research in field of biology and genetics. It is revolutionary in a sense that it gives the theory of changing our genetics consciously by changing our habits or practices. So unlike older theory of genetics, we are no longer slaves to our genetic makeup inherited by our parents. But we can change it on will and do much more to improve our heath conditions, mental capabilities, learning and all cognitive functions.

We can influence our genes if we can control our subconscious mind. Our subconscious mind is something that is controlling our thoughts 95 of the time during the day. When we are not consciously thinking or not mentally present while doing anything, we are under the control of subconscious mind or you may say on autopilot. How can we bring it all under control???

How does that operate then?

By providing RNA with the coding for a specific gene, the DNA itself directs the synthesis of that gene. Transcription is the process in which the information is copied from DNA to RNA .Then RNA instructs the ribosomes to assemble a certain type of protein, by controlling the choice of amino acids and their linkages to make a certain protein or express a certain trait called translation.

 

 

A cell's features and function are determined by its proteins. Protein is the basic building block of our body, including, hair, nail, muscles , tendons, ligaments, hormones , enzymes etc.

 

The epigenome is basically a collection of chemical markers attached to cells genome. 

The expression of gene can be controlled by these markers. 

There could be an enhanced translation to make a certain protein under their influence or no translation, preventing a certain trait to be expressed. That how epigenome influence our genetic expression. 

Some chemical markers will cause the DNA unwinding, making transcription simpler and increasing the production of the related protein.

Epigenetic changes are carried on with cell division, which means they could be a permanent part expressing a certain trait throughout life. 

 That can sometimes be advantageous.

Epigenetic alterations are a typical aspect of growth. One master genome is present at birth in each cell of an embryo. Some genes are turned on during cell division while others are suppressed. Differentiation of cells

Some cells eventually transform into heart cells and others into liver cells as a result of this epigenetic reprogramming.

The roughly 200 different cell types in your body all share a nearly identical genome, but each has a unique epigenome.

Additionally, the epigenome facilitates a continuous conversation between the environment and the genes.

Factors influencing how the epigenome functions

Diet, chemical exposure, and medicine are just a few examples of the things that might affect the chemical tags that switch genes on and off.

If, for instance, the ensuing epigenetic modifications switch a gene off, illness may eventually develop. If, for example, they turn off a gene that makes a tumor-suppressing protein.

Do epigenetics pass on to the next generations?

When egg and sperm cells are created, the majority of epigenetic markers are removed.

However, according to a recent study, some of these imprints are still present and passed on these epigenetic features to the following generation.

Your personal epigenome may be influenced by your parents' childhood experiences, adult decisions, or both.

Although epigenetic modifications are persistent, they are not always irreversible.