Example Of Epigenetic Essay

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When we say that “DNA is not destiny,” it means that what is in our DNA isn’t the end product because we can use Epigenetics to affect what genes may be turned off and on. Epigenetics “is the study of changes in gene activity that do not involve alterations to the genetic code but still get passed down to at least one successive generation” (Cloud, 2013). We can change our environment to reflect the changes in our genes. Some examples of these could include diet and exercise. This idea of Epigenetics changed the idea of genetics because it was once believed that once you had your genes you were trapped by which ones were turned off and on. The “Epigenome is sensitive to the cues from the environment” (Watters). It is the Epigenetics which …show more content…

Nature is all the evolutionary factors which affect our genes. Nurture is all the things which have affected us since conception. The research shows that our DNA (nature) doesn’t function autonomously without clues from the environment, so we need to use the environment to make the changes needed to pass the Epigenome onward (nurture). It appears that the accepted belief is that nature and nurture work together. This was not always the case. “Traditionally, researchers might have offered an explanation on one side or the other of the nature-versus-nurture divide” (Watters). The newborn either inherited the characteristic (nature) or learned it from their mother …show more content…

Biology can be viewed as being similar to the idea of nature while the environment is similar to the idea of nurture. A long time ago we agreed that biology choices might shorten our lives but would not change our genes. Also any effects on the environment on the genes would not happen too quickly. Epigenetics play an important role in making this relationship. An example would be when Bygren’s research showed that the boys who enjoyed overabundant winters produced children and grandchildren who lived shorter lives. Also research shows that the environment choices of smoking and eating too much will affect our biology and the biology or genes of our offspring. Another way that the environment (scientists in the lab) can affect our genes (biology) is that they can create drugs that will silence our bad genes which cause illness. There are many other examples which show that biology (or nature) and the environment (or nurture) have connections with each other. One example would be intelligence. The nature (biology) would be the family genetics which put you at a genetic potential to perform. There are also nurture (environmental) concerns such as good diet and exercise which can also affect intelligence. Another way that they interact is the development of a baby. It is the nature which is responsible for developing for a healthy fetus. It is the nurture which develops this fetus into the

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