Heritable alterations in gene expression that occur without a change in the underlying DNA sequence itself, effectively acting as a layer of control over the genome. These modifications, such as DNA methylation and histone modification, determine which genes are turned on or off in specific cells. Lifestyle factors, including diet, stress, and environmental exposures, can profoundly influence these epigenetic marks.
Origin
The term ‘epigenetics’ was coined in the 1940s by Conrad Waddington, combining the Greek prefix epi (above, outside of) with ‘genetics,’ referring to the study of heritable traits. Modern molecular biology defined the concept by identifying the specific chemical tags that mediate these heritable changes. This field bridges environmental science and molecular biology.
Mechanism
Enzymes add or remove chemical tags to the DNA strand or to the histone proteins around which DNA is wrapped. Methylation typically silences a gene by blocking transcription machinery, while acetylation often loosens the DNA-histone complex, promoting gene expression. These mechanisms allow a single genome to produce diverse cell types and adapt gene activity to environmental signals without altering the genetic code.
The body registers perceived coercion as a chronic stressor, dysregulating neuroendocrine axes and metabolic function, thereby diminishing overall vitality.
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