Epigenetics Essay

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Epigenetics The term epigenetics, derived from the Greek word ―epigenesis‖ which means the influence of genetic processes on development22 . It is the study of potentially heritable changes in gene expression (active versus inactive genes) that does not involve changes to the underlying DNA sequence. Epigenetics in turn affects how cells read the genes. Epigenetic change is a regular and natural occurrence but can also be influenced by several factors including age, the environment/lifestyle, and disease state. The word ―program‖ demonstrates the notion that the environmental stimuli received during critical periods of early fetal development can generate permanent changes in body structure and function, ultimately affecting the homeostasis …show more content…

Lifestyle of both the partner before conception and after conception has effect on growing embryo. CONCLUSION Developing organisms have a wide range of susceptibility to epigenetic changes. Inapt setting up of epigenetic alterations during critical developmental periods due to changes in the maternal diet or other environmental factors may induce paediatric developmental diseases and even affect health in adulthood. Epigenomic state of a gene can be established through behavioural and Nutritional programming and it is potentially reversible. Unlike genetic mutations (irreversible) epigenetic changes are inherently reversible. Drugs and diets have the potential to restore normal epigenetic status and research suggests that diseases caused by epigenetic aberrations may be treatable and preventable. By adopting the rules of Garbha samskara epigenetic programming is possible in order to have a healthy progeny. Appropriate dynamics in epigenetic modifications are possible with help of Garbha Samskara. Further research is needed for better understanding of the interplay between genetic and epigenetic interaction in critical time windows of development and its effect on susceptibility of individual to a wide range of

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