oooo TMobile WiFi 117 PM 91 Discussions Epigenetics or the s

.oooo T-Mobile Wi-Fi 1:17 PM 91% Discussions Epigenetics, or the study of heritable changes to the non-DNA portion of the genome, is a new field within the study of genetic inheritance. We are increasingly becoming aware that the epigenome plays a large role in determining how the genetic code itself is expressed. The epigenome can be modified due to environmental factors, such as type and amount of food, parental care, trauma, and exposure to certain chemicals. Recent studies have shown links between parental life experiences and changes to the epigenome in offspring. In particular, this phenomenon has been studied in women who experience starvation during pregnancy (especially during early pregnancy) and resulting epigenetic changes in these offspring. The beginning section of chapter 11 highlights the epigenetic effects of starvation on the physical and mental attributes in the resulting children of women who were pregnant during the Dutch hunger winter. Similar effects on children and grandchildren have also been found in other such instances of parental trauma. See the following articles for other examples:

Solution

1. The challenges encountered while proving epigenetic inheritance are:

2. If epigenetic inheritance holds true, it would mean that whatever an individual habituates in his or her life, such as smoking, drinking, or starving, and even exposure to harmful health hazards, would pass on epigenetically in the future generations to come. Therefore, it is a major ethical and social issue.

Couple who plan of having a baby, would have to worry whether they should expose themselves to any stress, or any other factor which could be passed on to their progeny. Also, phenotypes and behavior which are not genetically controlled could reappear in the baby which were once present in couples\' ancestors.

As a society, the various forms of environmental, dietary, medical and behavioral experiences could be passed on to future generations epigenetically, thus each individual of the present society is liable for the generations to come.

3. Epigenetic changes such as methylation patterns, histone modification, and other changes occur throughout the lifetime of an individual based on the environmental exposure and the lifestyle choices. The environmental and external factor include medications, trauma, shock, exposure to heavy metals, radiations and also passive smoking. The lifestyle choices such as exercise, the frequency of smoking and drinking, diet, and social interactions. These factors trigger chemical changes in the body which might alter the epigenome of the individual, which in the future might be passed on to the next generations.

Thus, using this knowledge I shall be determined to maintain a healthy balanced diet, do exercise and keep a positive behavioral attitude. Also, I should abstain from excessive alcohol use or smoking and also limit my exposure to harmful environmental factors.