Facts On Epigenetics And Genes In General

By Carl Rogers


This is the study of change in gene activity that is not brought about by the change in the gene sequence. As much as we get our DNA from our parents, at no point will our DNA be similar to that of other people whether we are related or not because this the distinguishing factor in human beings. It can be used for identification and even record keeping in human genes and related factors. The article shades more light on genes and epigenetics.

Inbreeding is one of the many causes of the loss in value breeds be it be plants or animals. It may lead to characteristics such as stunted growth, slow development generally among other things. Even in people, people are not allowed to marry relatives in many cultures. Some of Muslims, however, do not mind marriage between cousins.

There is a condition in which organism mutate and form a completely new strand of DNA. It is known as Mosaicism. For example, an embryo may mutate when it only has 8-16 cells. In twins, the two embryos may interact with each other before separating and coming up with completely new DNA strands. Such an organism has patches of different DNA and is known as a chimera.

In DNA proteins are coded in three base layers. After the coding, there is a proof-reading process to ensure that no mistakes were made. The main aim is to make sure the copy is the same as the original. Mistakes may lead to conditions such for example; Haringtons disease. This is whereby there is a duplication of CAG which becomes a problem when passed on for generations.

Many are times when a virus invades the body; it goes on to the cell. When it is integrated, a mutation may occur thus deactivating the virus. The virus, however, remains in the genome and replicates every time the cell is copied. If it is copied into a sperm or ovum cell, then the cells of the embryo will all have the virus thus building an incorporated virus over tome.

Ever heard of jumping genes? These are genes that can cut off the strand, and the strand would still function. They, however, have very visible effects. They may cut themselves off and attach themselves again. For example, you may have seen maize that has different colors on the seeds. This is as a result of the genes hopping in and out and may pose a great danger of disease.

All living things on the face of the earth have a similar DNA structure. These are usually four bases. This is an implication of one of two things. All living things have a common ancestry, or these four bases are the only way that stable DNA can be formed. A slightly altered base structure was fed into cells which were incorporated as DNA. This means that our first ancestor decided on the base structure of our DNA.

An individual gets their chromosomes from both parents. Mitochondria, however, they get from only the mother. If the cells have mutated, it may pose a big problem. This can be solved by transferring the nucleus from a fertilized egg to one that is not fertilized.




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