What is Epigenetics?
Link to Article: http://www.economist.com/blogs/economist-explains/2013/07/economist-explains-7
Note: In the article, it refers to another article. You do not have to read the linked article, but you can read it if you want to. :) Just a heads up, my blog is pretty wordy and might be a little complicated to understand. Otherwise, enjoy~!
Epigenetics
is a new growing branch of biology that is concerned with the expression of
genes. Although one’s inherited genes are permanent, one can influence the
expression of these genes. This happens through two contrasting processes:
methylation, the expansion of an area of the gene, or histone acetylation/ deacetylation,
the condensation of an area of the gene. On one hand, methylation opens up the
area of the gene so it can be coded and, therefore, expressed; on the other
hand, acetylation/ deacetylation condense the gene so it cannot be coded or
expressed.
I
have to say, I am very excited about this new study. It gives us a whole new
perspective on things! Everything we have thought about our genes being
permanent has slightly changed; yes our genes are still our genes, but we
ourselves can affect them! Who could have thought that we were partially in
control of our own DNA? The article mentions that exercising can affect the way
in which fatty tissues function. Just by exercising, we can alter the
expression in our genes so that lipids (fat) can stored in the right place and
surplus fat isn’t settling in more harmful areas. Before, exercising was just a method for us to
live a healthier lifestyle by boosting our metabolism and such. Now, we learn
that exercising stimulates epigenetic changes in our body. Not only that, but
parents can also pass on these new changes to their offspring! Lamarck was a
French naturalist during the mid 1700’s and 1800’s. He proposed that parents
can pass down these acquired characteristics to their offspring. However,
Darwin and other scientists refuted his hypothesis by stating that only the genetic
material can be passed down; the study of epigenetics has not yet taken place at
that time. Until recently, it was believed that acquired traits would only
affect the individual and not its offspring. How ironic and amazing it is that
Lamarck is partially correct! I was amazed at such a discovery! Lamarck’s hypothesis
of the inheritance of acquired characteristics has been seen as a theory that
incorrectly explicated evolution and natural selection, although people do
credit him for being on the right track. It excites me that this new finding
has supported a hypothesis that was long rejected!
Aside
from commenting on the content of the article, I would also like to discuss its
structure. I appreciate how the article is very considerate of its audience; instead
of using advanced biology terminology, it gives a very vague and easily
understandable phrase to replace that word. For example, instead of
methylation, it simply states “…adding specific chemicals” so that it is easier
for any reader to understand. Even though removing difficult vocabulary eases
the reading of the article, it is still a difficult subject to comprehend
unless one is familiar with biology. In this case, the article is well written
for an audience with at least a little knowledge on subject.
I
hope that this field of biology continues to grow and continues to discover new information
on how we can affect the expression of our genes.
Your article is very thorough and provides adequate commentary. Although Not having taken a biology class prior to reading this I was a bit confused with concepts of methylationhistone, acetylation, and deacetylation, but reading your clarified many things. To expand, you could also include what effect epigenetics could have in the future.
ReplyDeleteI see; thank you for your tips and compliments! :)
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