Epigenetics and its effects during prenatal and postnatal development, including stress, malnutrition, toxins, brain development phases, sensory systems, and the impact of substanc... Epigenetics and its effects during prenatal and postnatal development, including stress, malnutrition, toxins, brain development phases, sensory systems, and the impact of substances like nicotine and THC.
Understand the Problem
The question is requesting a detailed overview of the effects of various prenatal and postnatal influences on development, specifically in relation to epigenetics, brain development, sensory systems, and the influence of drugs. The high-level approach would involve summarizing the key points related to each stage of development and the corresponding effects.
Answer
Epigenetics impacts development through stress, malnutrition, toxins, and substances like nicotine and THC, affecting brain and sensory systems.
Epigenetics plays a crucial role in prenatal and postnatal development by influencing gene expression without altering the DNA sequence. Environmental factors like stress, malnutrition, and exposure to toxins can lead to epigenetic changes impacting brain development, sensory systems, and can be exacerbated by substances like nicotine and THC.
Answer for screen readers
Epigenetics plays a crucial role in prenatal and postnatal development by influencing gene expression without altering the DNA sequence. Environmental factors like stress, malnutrition, and exposure to toxins can lead to epigenetic changes impacting brain development, sensory systems, and can be exacerbated by substances like nicotine and THC.
More Information
Epigenetic modifications can have lasting effects on an individual’s health, from behavioral changes to susceptibility to diseases. These changes can be triggered by various prenatal and early postnatal environmental factors, highlighting the plasticity and sensitivity of the epigenome during critical development phases.
Tips
A common misunderstanding is confusing epigenetics with genetic mutations. Epigenetics involves changes in gene expression regulation, not changes in the genetic code itself.
Sources
- Toxic stress, epigenetics and child development - PMC - NCBI - ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- The Epigenetic Link between Prenatal Adverse Environments and ... - ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Maternal Factors that Induce Epigenetic Changes Contribute ... - MDPI - mdpi.com
