It is basically an external modification to DNA that turns certain genes either off or on. The word epigenetics means above or on top of genes. They do not affect the DNA sequence but rather how they read. These factors can last up to the end of the lifetime of a cell. It may also be passed on to other generations but never affecting the DNA sequence. It may last from childhood to adult hood.
It can at times alters DNA. For example, a DNA methylation may be added to a methyl cap and may cause alteration to the genetic appearance. It may lead to the suppression of some genes. This will deny some genes the opportunity to be expressed. The physical appearance of the person or animal may appear different, but the DNA structure appears to be the same.
DNA is very long. It would not be able to fit into a cell was It not for a protein known as histone. DNA does not squash the protein, however. It lays out itself comfortably. If the DNA is too tight, it will be impossible to read because of the DNA reading cells. The modifications make the histone relax, and the material is easier to read.
The skin cells, muscle cells, and brain cells appear different in their structural formation and even functions. Yet somehow, they contain the same genetic material. These are because although they may contain the same genes, the way these genes are expressed is totally different. These are why our body parts appear to be different.
As earlier mentioned, epigenetics can be passed from one generation to the next for a long time. This is likely to happen when they are present in the sperm cell, the egg cell or in both. However, it may not happen because of the reprogramming process. This occurs when the sperm and the egg cell combine to form a whole new cell. All the epigenetics may be erased. The fetus can start afresh.
Some of the sperm and egg cells do not go through this reprogramming process. This means the fetus will reserve this epigenetic cells. Once the egg is fertilized, and reprogramming does not occur, the epigenetics are carried on to the next generation. This means the foods taken before conception play a big role in the future of your child. This is however not yet proved in human beings.
Scientists believe that epigenetics can play a role in some cancers. Some genes might lack the ability to control how big a cell grows. These are what turn out to be tumors. These are because the body has no control over how large the cell becomes and it grows so large and makes some of the body functions quite difficult to be undertaken.
Some others are known to suppress the cells responsible for repairing the damaged DNA. When these are suppressed the immune system grows weak. This is one of the ways cancer is able to inhabit the body of the person.
It can at times alters DNA. For example, a DNA methylation may be added to a methyl cap and may cause alteration to the genetic appearance. It may lead to the suppression of some genes. This will deny some genes the opportunity to be expressed. The physical appearance of the person or animal may appear different, but the DNA structure appears to be the same.
DNA is very long. It would not be able to fit into a cell was It not for a protein known as histone. DNA does not squash the protein, however. It lays out itself comfortably. If the DNA is too tight, it will be impossible to read because of the DNA reading cells. The modifications make the histone relax, and the material is easier to read.
The skin cells, muscle cells, and brain cells appear different in their structural formation and even functions. Yet somehow, they contain the same genetic material. These are because although they may contain the same genes, the way these genes are expressed is totally different. These are why our body parts appear to be different.
As earlier mentioned, epigenetics can be passed from one generation to the next for a long time. This is likely to happen when they are present in the sperm cell, the egg cell or in both. However, it may not happen because of the reprogramming process. This occurs when the sperm and the egg cell combine to form a whole new cell. All the epigenetics may be erased. The fetus can start afresh.
Some of the sperm and egg cells do not go through this reprogramming process. This means the fetus will reserve this epigenetic cells. Once the egg is fertilized, and reprogramming does not occur, the epigenetics are carried on to the next generation. This means the foods taken before conception play a big role in the future of your child. This is however not yet proved in human beings.
Scientists believe that epigenetics can play a role in some cancers. Some genes might lack the ability to control how big a cell grows. These are what turn out to be tumors. These are because the body has no control over how large the cell becomes and it grows so large and makes some of the body functions quite difficult to be undertaken.
Some others are known to suppress the cells responsible for repairing the damaged DNA. When these are suppressed the immune system grows weak. This is one of the ways cancer is able to inhabit the body of the person.
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