How much do you know about the fascinating world of epigenetics?

Study Notes

Epigenetics refers to a set of instructions that sit on top of our DNA and histones.
Epigenetic marks can help instruct chromatin to compact or decompact, affecting how the cell reads genes encoded in DNA.
Epigenetic marks can be influenced by the environment, including food, prenatal vitamins, smoking, and stress.
Epigenetic marks can be transmitted from a pregnant female to her fetus and from generation to generation through sperm or eggs.
Studies on identical twins separated at birth have helped scientists understand different traits affected by nature (DNA) or nurture (environment).
Some traits, like IQ or criminal tendencies, are more affected by DNA, while others, like depression or political preference, are more influenced by the environment.
Epigenetic marks can explain differences in identical twins raised in the same home environment.
Epigenetic marks accumulate during embryonic development and can turn genes on or off.
Epigenetic marks can affect long-term health consequences, including obesity and cardiovascular disease.
Lifestyle decisions today can affect future generations through epigenetic marks on sperm or eggs.
Epigenetic marks can be passed down through generations and can affect long-term health.
This has been shown in non-human organisms such as mice, flies, and worms.
Epigenetic marks can also be affected by post-birth experiences, such as a rat mother's care for her pups.
Epigenetic marks can be reversed with drugs, which is promising for diseases like cancer, diabetes, and neurological disorders.
The challenge is targeting drugs towards toxic Epigenetic marks while leaving beneficial ones alone.
Healthy lifestyle decisions, such as eating well and avoiding harmful substances, can positively impact our epigenome and long-term health.
Genes are not set in stone and can be influenced by our actions.
Epigenetics is a promising field for improving health outcomes.
The glucacorticoid receptor gene in rats can be affected by maternal care and impact how well they handle stress.
Epigenetic marks can be passed down through females to their daughters and granddaughters if laid down on their eggs.