Essay On Epigenetics

After reading up on the subject and clearing up any of the muddy points I may have encountered during my initial learning of gene expression and epigenetic effects on genes, the subject began to fully make sense. These completely different processes practically work together in complete harmony at certain times to create the effects placed on the phyisical human body and the behavioral traits that affect how humans live their lives and take part in daily activities. However, it is the effect that epigenetics has on genes that dictates how a certain gene will code for a certain behavior or physical trait. Gene expression on the other hand is the raw, unaltered form of these genes that, unless altered by an epigenetic effect, would otherwise code for the intended code that the DNA would have provided for one’s body. To put it into simpler terms, the genome does all the work and
This is because twins are genetically identical to each other; however, behavior of twins has been discovered to change over time and this is believed to be due to epigenetic effects that have the possibility of being altered throughout one’s life, being hereditary, or even changing at a rapid pace during times such as pregnancy or puberty. These changes in epigenomes could also come about due to environmental factors such eating habits, amount of physical activity, and smoking habits, should they be present. The film exemplifies this by explaining a study in which yellow mice have a particular gene called agouti that causes these mice to eat constantly without being full which would eventually lead to obesity and even cancer. A simple addition of vitamin B-12 to the diet of pregnant yellow mothers resulted in the birth of brown mice that did not inherit the agouti gene; a significant change that was done without altering a single genetic