Epigenetics
Courses Overview
Epigenetics– The study of chemical changes that occur to DNA and the proteins that organize it. These changes do not alter the DNA sequence so the genetic code remains the same. The changes do affect gene expresseion-whether genes are turned on of off. Epigenetics is the study of how cells control gene activity without changing the DNA sequence. “Epi-“means on or above in Greek, and Epigenetic describes factors beyond the genetic code. Altering gene expression can have huge repercussions on normal cell function and, in turn, the health of organisms, regardless of weather the organisms are bacteria, plants or humans. Environmental factors such as poor nutrition, alcohol, drugs, medications, toxins, lifestyle and smoking can cause epigenetic changes that can not only affect a person’s health but the health of their children.
Your DNA is not your destiny because the choices you make in life can change your genes and your offsprings. New science has shown that Epigenetics begins long before cenception even one generation before your birth. Epigenetics is an emerging area of scientific research that shows how environmental influences—children’s experiences—actually affect the expression of their genes. This means the old idea that genes are Set in Stone has been disproven.
Epigenetics changes over time that can be both good and bad. It’s good in the sense that things like good food and nutirion, right level of exercise and manageable stress can result in epigenetic changes that can promote health. But other factors such as processed food, smoking and unneccessary stresses can cause epigenetic changes that can harm the body. Today, a wide variety of illnesses, behaviors, and other health indicators already have some level of evidence linking them with epigenetic mechanisms, including cancers of almost all types, cognitive dysfunction such as Alzheimer’s, respiratory, cardiovascular, reproductive, autoimmune, and neurobehavioral illnesses.
Epigenetics. Level I
Epigenetics. Level II
Epigenetics. Level III
