Epigenetics is one of the main topics studied in medical genetics today. Monozygotic twins are used to prove that differences in the epigenome due to certain factors are the reason why monozygotic twins change as they age. Genes provide the instructions for the development and maintenance of the body. There is a second set of instructions known as the epigenome, which interacts with DNA to suppress or activate the expression of some genes. Epigenetic tags turn genes off or on, without changing the genetic code. With monozygotic twins, the embryo contains the same genome and epigenome. Throughout the early years of life twins have a very similar epigenome as they share the same environment. As they age, their environments differ, and their genomes remain the same, but their epigenome act to silence of activate certain genes. Factors like diet, differences in physical activity, stress, and exposure to certain toxins can also influence the epigenome. So as monozygotic twins age their epigenomes and gene expressions end up being very different leading to two very different individuals.
Introduction:
Conrad H Waddington discovered the term epigenetics to describe the roles of genes in development and to solidify the fact that genes play a huge role and control development. So it was in the 1940’s that the term epigenetics was devised (Hallgrímsson & Hall, 2011; Morange, 2013). Epigenetics is known to describe the interaction between genetics and the environment around us describing the types of phenotypes during development. In present times, epigenetics more specifically relates to cellular modifications that may be heritable, however are unrelated to the DNA sequence changes and can be altered by environmental ...
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...ment and distinct lifestyle of one can directly interact with the genome to influence epigenetic change. These changes that we see may be reflected at various stages of a person’s life. With the increasing knowledge that we have today, epigenetics is understood better. New approaches can be thought of in order to be able to treat and diagnose certain human diseases. Although currently it is not exactly known whether or not monozygotic twins are exactly epigenetically identical at birth, further research needs to be done in order to gain more knowledge (Czyz et al., 2012). Monozygotic twins help create a clear understanding of the process of epigenetics; this could benefit us in the future. In the future the concept of epigenetics may help us find treatments for certain diseases mainly for the elderly, as epigenetics is known to change as one ages (Deepti, 2014).
Twin studies have been used to distinguish between genetic and environmental factors for many disorders in the general population including ectodermal dysplasia, Ellis-van Creveld, and anencephaly. This review focuses on genetic disorders affecting monozygotic, dizygotic, and conjoined twins to gain a better understanding of them. Many studies focus on twins because they have a nearly identical genome, which eliminates environmental factors. In case studies, the concordance rates in monozygotic twins have supported that certain disorders were caused by genetics and not the environment. The discordant values in twins will also be evaluated briefly. Twinning studies have also shown linkages between specific disorders and the genes responsible for them. Knowing the location of these genes allows patients to be treated quickly and efficiently. This paper will discuss the possible causes of twinning and the various methods of identifying abnormalities in twins. These methods also allow preventive measures against the rise of birth defects during prenatal development. Epigenetics in twins is also viewed through the perspective of effects on them. Treatments for genetic disorders in twins are reviewed, ranging from the restoration of malformed teeth to the separation of conjoined twins. Support groups for twins in treatment, and their families are also briefly reviewed.
The author goes into details about Jeff’s family history and his exposure to low cholesterol is linked to an increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Having a history of cardiovascular disease may temp one to change their lifestyle and eating habits leaning towards a low carbohydrate and more natural diet. It took a turn in Jeff's case when the so-called healthily eating habits were not working in his favor. Moalem stresses on how epigenetics comes into play, Jeff’s pre-exposure to cardiovascular disease was readily detectable but predicting HFI was a challenge. He highlights other situations where he argues that organism genes may be altered and can be expressed differently in environments. Claiming that based on epigenetics, physical activities, experiences, diets, and other lifestyles choices is crucial when it comes to gene expression. Talking about the queen been and worker bees, he emphasizes the fact that they have the same genes. Moalem argues that the genes of these two creatures are expressed differently because of what the queen bee ate. Queen bees are genetically superior since in their diet as a larva they are raised on royal jelly thus their phenotype as expressed differently. In making these claims, he supports the new Idea of epigenetics, which asserts that the genes of a person are not their destiny since they are subject to
While both nature and nurture have evidence to support each theory, it is the effects on one another that may be responsible for shaping development. As we move into a new era where it is no longer nature versus nurture, but instead nature and nurture, the study of behavioral epigenetics will become even more important as we begin to recognize the relationship that exists between the two and how they affect one another.
A permanent change in the DNA sequence which makes up a gene is what is referred to as gene mutation (Mahoney & Springer 2009). It is believed that gene mutation occurs in two ways: that is, it can be acquired in personal lifetime or inherited from a parent. Those that are passed from parents to the child are referred to as hereditary mutation. They acquire the name since they are present in the eggs and sperms or the germ cell. In this case, such kind of mutation is present all through one’s life in almost every cell in the body. A similarity in mutation and gene diversity is the change in the DNA sequence which makes both mutation and genetic diversity have related issues.
Fate, F. (2013, January 16). Identical twins: The truth behind their similarity. The Frozen Fate Reproductive Medicine Ethics. Retrieved November 16, 2013, from http://thefrozenfate.wordpress.com/2013/01/16/identical-twins-the-truth-behind-their-similarity/
Epigenetics ~ Is the term coined to explain a variety of “bizarre” phenotypic phenomena in different organisms that can’t be elucidated by Mendelian Genetics. It is like a bridge between geno and phenotypes ~ giving explanation to how cells carrying identical DNA differentiate into different cell types and how this differentiated state remains stable;
...hich inherited traits, such as those for genetic disease, can be tracked over generations. Throughout out the course of human development, scientists will continue to find new new ways to help the human race through the discovery of the human gene inside of each of us, its uses, as well as complications, that can help the survival of our species.
The PBS Epigenetics video (2007) also showcases another study conducted on identical twins, two human beings born of the same fertilized egg who have the same DNA. The study wanted to understand why twins can have identical DNA and still experience differences in their bodies’ growth and deve...
Epigenetic is the heritable changes in the gene that does not involve the changes to the sequence of underlying DNA. An epigenetic change is regular and occurs naturally but at the same time it is influenced by factors that include the age of a person, disease state, and lifestyle and also environment the person lives. Epigenetic change can have more damaging effects that may result to such diseases as cancer (Curley, Jensen, Mashoodh & Champagne 2011).The epigenetic change is initiated and sustained by systems like histone modification, non-cordial RNA, and DNA methylation. An epigenetic change is, therefore, causing human disorders as well as fatal diseases. Epigenetic changes live through cell division in cell's life and stays for multiple generations. Early experiences have created foundations of differences in individuals and the manner they interact with the surrounding world. The Epigenetic pathways have integration between nature and nurture during the process of development and the viable changes that persist across generations. Development is a process that involves interaction between nature and nurture. This process, therefore, explains the understanding of gene-environment and it's important in brain development. Brains are refined and have changes in response to experiences before the baby is born. These experiences are first shared between the mother and the fetus where there is a growth sense between what the mother takes in, either by drinking
“Piaget called this process “Epigenetic Development”, Epigenetic information is constantly being acquired throughout development, giving the environment an active role in influencing development. The environment is shaping information in our genes and changing our physical development. Humankind standing on two legs and walking was a response to environmental changes. This has had a significant effect on our genetic makeup from the shape of our pelvis to the size of our skull.
National Institute of General Medical Sciences. (2010). "21st-Century Genetics." The New Genetics, p. 74-83. Retrieved from http://publications.nigms.nih.gov/thenewgenetics/chapter5.html
Epigenetics is the study of both heritable and non-heritable changes in gene translation, which do not stem from mutation. Epigenetic alterations to DNA may occur in several different ways; histone modification, DNA methylations, expression of microRNAs, and changes of the chromatin structure (Ntanasis-Stathopoulos et al). Depending on their presentation, they may be passed on to offspring. The exact mechanism of heritable epigenetic modification has not been discovered, but all of these alterations may have some impact on a wide range of disorders and have far reaching implications in the medical field. The study of epigenetics seeks to answer the age old question of whether nature or nurture is responsible for our phenotype, and it has arrived at the answer that in fact, both are. The discovery of epigenetic changes may lead us to cure many disorders, and even personality problems.
A recent field of biology, called epigenetics, is rapidly transforming previous ideas on the impact of genes. The...
Genes from parents are passed down to their children and this sets up their lifelong development. When a male cell meets with female reproductive cell, they start a process for a new life in a woman’s womb. The sperm has a different copy of the gene and an egg the same and so when they meet, two copies of genes are present and through them a new life begins and it will comprise both genes. From the eyes to the color of the hair, genetics plays a role in a person’s biological make up and development. Genes can predetermine many different characteristics in human development.
In conclusion, genetics play an important role in the development of a child in light of the transfer of genes from parents to offspring. Even though a child inherits several genes from the two parents, his/her ability to express these factors is dependent on gene-gene and gene-environment interactions. Therefore, a child’s growth and development is not only influenced by hereditary factors but also determined by environmental influences.