/ Sunday, April 29, 2007
Epigenetics
"DNA is not Destiny." Many people will find this phrase uneasy because majority of the people believe genes control our characteristics. However, the new science of Epigenetics is going to rewrite our knowledge about the genetics. Epigenetics researchers had found out that the characteristics of living beings can be altered by influences of environment, without changing a single letter of the living beings' DNA. This is possible because some chemicals available in the environment can cause some of the genes to be switched on or off - the straits of the certain gene can be expressed or not be expressed .
Furthermore, the changes in phenotypes due to environment can be passed down to next generation. For example, in an experiment conducted by the Duke University, with no more than a change in diet, laboratory agoui mice were prompted to give birth to offsprings that are different in appearance and disease susceptibility.
Agoui mice was yellow in colour originally.
© 2003 American Society for Microbiology
In conclusion, the food we eat or the actions we take now, have a great impact not only on ourselves, but also on our children, grandchildren or even our great-grand children. If you wish to read more about Epigenetics, you can read the Nov 2006 issue of Discover. Happy discovering! =)
Furthermore, the changes in phenotypes due to environment can be passed down to next generation. For example, in an experiment conducted by the Duke University, with no more than a change in diet, laboratory agoui mice were prompted to give birth to offsprings that are different in appearance and disease susceptibility.
Agoui mice was yellow in colour originally.© 2003 American Society for Microbiology
/ORD loh!
8:16 PM