Throughout my years of education, I remember many classes and conversations in which we discussed DNA. We are taught that DNA possesses our genetic code and that when we reproduce, we pass along part of our DNA to our offspring. However, one word that was never mentioned in any of those
classes were “epigenome.”
According to the Genetic Science Learning Center, the epigenome is a chemical tag that essentially shapes the physical structure of the genome. They wrap themselves around genes that are inactive in order to make it hard to read. Inversely, they relax genes that are active in order to make them more attainable. A major difference between DNA and the epigenome is that our
DNA code cannot be changed, however, the epigenome is flexible. Outside factors have an effect
on epigenetic tags. Things like stress, anxiety, environment, and even what we eat or drink cause these tags to react and change. Basically, the more we change what's in or around us, the more our epigenome will change. It is believed that epigenetic changes can be inherited. More recent studies show us that some epigenetic tags are stable and pass on for generations to come. This completely goes against previous ideas that an embryo’s epigenome is essentially eliminated and then start anew.
Like I stated previously, in school we are taught that only DNA is responsible for passing on genetic information. However, in the form of epigenetic tags, our parent’s experiences can be inherited as well. This also has an implication for evolution. As we know, the process of natural selection takes time. It could take many, many generations before we see positive adaptive
changes within a population. However, the epigenome responds to the environment as well, but at a much more rapid rate. It could also occur in multiple individuals simultaneously. This is an important concept because this means through epigenetic inheritance, these experiences and changes can be pass...