Fundamentals
Your Biology Your Story
You have followed the wellness protocol with precision. You have consumed the prescribed foods, performed the specified exercises, and adhered to the sleep schedule with unwavering discipline. Yet, the promised results remain elusive, a frustrating gap between your dedicated effort and your physiological reality.
This experience, far from being a personal failing, is a profound biological truth. It is the lived evidence that a generic wellness blueprint, designed for a statistical average, meets the complex, unique reality of your individual genetic code. The feeling of being an outlier, of your body reacting differently than expected, is the beginning of a deeper understanding.
It is an invitation to move beyond universal prescriptions and into a conversation with your own biology, a system governed by a script written in the language of genes.
This script, your genome, is the foundational text of your physical being. Contained within the nucleus of nearly every cell in your body, it is a vast and detailed instruction manual inherited from your ancestors. It dictates the fundamental characteristics of your existence, from the color of your eyes to the intricate architecture of your endocrine system.
For decades, the genome was viewed as a static, deterministic set of commands. Current science, however, provides a much more empowering perspective. Your genetic code is an intricate set of possibilities, a dynamic system of information that constantly interacts with your environment, your nutrition, your thoughts, and your actions.
Understanding this dialogue between your genes and your life is the first principle of personalized wellness. It is the key to comprehending why one person thrives on a high-fat diet while another gains weight, or why one individual builds muscle with ease while another excels in endurance. Your genetics provide the context, the underlying reason your body responds the way it does.
What Is the Language of Your Genes?
The language of your genetic blueprint is composed of four primary letters ∞ Adenine (A), Guanine (G), Cytosine (C), and Thymine (T). These letters, or nucleotide bases, are arranged in specific sequences to form genes. Each gene is a recipe for building a specific protein, and proteins are the primary workers of the body.
They function as enzymes that catalyze biochemical reactions, as receptors that receive hormonal signals, and as structural components that build tissues. The human genome contains approximately 20,000 to 25,000 of these gene-recipes, each contributing to the vast, interconnected network that is your physiology.
Within this genetic language, there are common variations that account for the diversity we see in the human population. The most frequent type of variation is called a Single Nucleotide Polymorphism, or SNP (pronounced “snip”). A SNP is a change in a single letter of the genetic code.
Imagine a recipe that calls for “thyme,” but in your version of the cookbook, a typo has changed it to “thymine.” The recipe is still legible, and you can still make the dish, but the final flavor might be subtly different.
In the same way, a SNP in a gene can alter the structure or function of the protein it codes for. These subtle alterations are at the heart of personalized wellness. A SNP in a gene responsible for metabolizing caffeine may explain why you feel jittery after one cup of coffee while a friend can drink a whole pot and sleep soundly.
A SNP in a gene related to muscle fiber type can predispose you to being a powerful sprinter or a tireless marathoner. These are not defects; they are simply variations that make your biology uniquely yours.
Your genetic code is the instruction manual for your body, with single-letter variations called SNPs creating the personalized biological responses you experience every day.
The Gene Environment Dialogue
Your genetic makeup is a foundational element of who you are, yet it operates in constant dialogue with the world around you and the choices you make. This concept, known as gene-environment interaction, is central to understanding your health journey. Your genes load the gun, but your environment pulls the trigger.
This means that possessing a genetic variant associated with a certain trait or condition does not seal your fate. Instead, it provides you with critical information about your body’s predispositions, allowing you to make informed lifestyle choices that can influence the expression of those genes.
Consider the analogy of a high-performance sports car. Your genetics are the car’s inherent design and engineering. It may be built with the potential for incredible speed and handling. However, the car’s actual performance depends entirely on external factors.
The type of fuel you put in it, the quality of the oil you use, the terrain you drive on, and the skill of the driver all determine whether the car reaches its potential or ends up broken down on the side of the road. Similarly, your genes provide your physiological potential.
The food you eat, the exercise you perform, the stress you manage, and the sleep you get are the inputs that determine how that potential is expressed. A genetic predisposition for poor metabolic health can be managed and mitigated with a nutrition plan and exercise regimen tailored to your specific biology.
A genetic tendency toward a slower recovery from exercise can be supported with targeted recovery protocols and nutritional support. This interaction is a continuous dance, and by understanding the steps, you can begin to lead.
Nutrigenomics the Science of Food and Genes
One of the most powerful ways you interact with your genes is through nutrition. The field of nutrigenomics studies this very interaction ∞ how the nutrients and bioactive compounds in food affect the expression of your genes. Every meal you consume is a complex package of information that your cells interpret.
The fatty acids in an avocado, the polyphenols in blueberries, and the amino acids in a piece of fish all send signals that can turn genes on or off, influencing everything from inflammatory responses to hormonal balance.
A classic example of this principle is the relationship between the MTHFR gene and folate metabolism. The MTHFR gene provides the instructions for making an enzyme that is critical for converting folate (Vitamin B9) into its active form, 5-MTHF.
This active form is essential for a process called methylation, which is vital for DNA repair, neurotransmitter synthesis, and regulating homocysteine levels in the blood. Certain common SNPs in the MTHFR gene can result in a less efficient enzyme.
An individual with such a variant might have a reduced ability to activate folate, which can lead to elevated homocysteine, a risk factor for cardiovascular issues. For this person, a generic wellness recommendation to “eat more leafy greens” might be insufficient. Their biology requires a more specific input.
They may benefit significantly from consuming pre-activated folate, known as L-methylfolate, bypassing the need for the inefficient enzyme. This is a clear demonstration of how understanding a single genetic data point can lead to a highly personalized and effective nutritional strategy, transforming a generic recommendation into a precise therapeutic tool.
- Gene ∞ This is a specific sequence of DNA that provides the instructions for making a protein. Think of it as a single recipe in a large cookbook.
- SNP (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism) ∞ This represents a common, single-letter variation in the DNA sequence. It is like a minor typo in the recipe that can subtly change the final dish.
- Nutrigenomics ∞ This is the scientific study of the interaction between nutrition and genes. It explores how the food we eat can influence the expression of our genetic blueprint.
- Gene Expression ∞ This refers to the process by which the information from a gene is used to create a functional product, like a protein. It is the act of “reading” the recipe to cook the dish.
How Do Genes Shape Our Physical Potential?
Beyond nutrition, your genetic blueprint profoundly shapes your body’s response to physical activity. The field of exercise genomics investigates how genetic variations influence performance, recovery, and adaptation to training. This explains the observable reality that individuals respond very differently to the same exercise program.
Some people may find that a few sessions of weightlifting produce rapid gains in muscle mass, while others see more modest results. This variability is not a measure of effort but a reflection of underlying genetic predispositions.
A well-studied example is the ACTN3 gene, often called the “gene for speed.” This gene codes for a protein called alpha-actinin-3, which is found exclusively in fast-twitch muscle fibers. These fibers are responsible for generating rapid, forceful contractions, making them essential for sprinting and power-based activities.
A common SNP in this gene determines whether a person produces this protein. Individuals with the “R” allele produce a functional alpha-actinin-3 protein, which is associated with an advantage in power and sprint sports. Conversely, those with the “X” allele do not produce the protein.
This absence of alpha-actinin-3 appears to shift muscle metabolism towards greater efficiency and endurance, providing an advantage in activities like long-distance running. This single genetic variation helps explain why some individuals are naturally gifted sprinters while others are born marathoners. Understanding this predisposition allows for the personalization of exercise.
An individual with the power-oriented ACTN3 genotype might focus on high-intensity interval training and strength work to maximize their potential, while someone with the endurance-oriented version could find greater success and enjoyment in long-duration cardiovascular activities. This knowledge transforms exercise from a generic prescription into a personalized strategy aligned with one’s innate biological strengths.
Intermediate
The Molecular Blueprint for Wellness
Moving beyond foundational concepts, we arrive at the practical application of genetic information in crafting a truly personalized wellness protocol. Your DNA is a high-resolution map detailing the specific terrain of your metabolism, your endocrine system, and your cellular responses.
By interpreting this map, we can anticipate how your body will likely respond to specific inputs, be they dietary macronutrients, forms of exercise, or therapeutic compounds. This level of understanding allows us to move from a reactive model of health, where we address symptoms as they arise, to a proactive model, where we design strategies to optimize your systems based on your unique genetic architecture.
This process involves examining specific genes that act as critical control points in your physiology. These are the genes that code for key enzymes, hormone receptors, and metabolic regulators. Variations, or SNPs, in these genes can create subtle but meaningful shifts in your biological baseline.
They can alter the speed at which you metabolize a hormone, the efficiency with which you utilize a nutrient, or your capacity to handle oxidative stress. By identifying these variations, we gain actionable insights. We learn which nutritional strategies will likely be most effective, which types of physical training will yield the best results, and how to support your endocrine system with precision.
This is the essence of data-driven wellness ∞ using your personal genetic information to inform a strategy that is as unique as you are.
Nutrigenomic Profiles and Dietary Personalization
A primary application of this genetic insight is in the realm of nutrition. Generic dietary advice, such as the ubiquitous “eat a balanced diet,” fails to account for the vast genetic diversity in how humans process food. Your specific combination of gene variants creates a unique metabolic signature that dictates your optimal intake of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins, as well as your requirements for specific micronutrients.
Let’s explore three influential genes to illustrate this principle:
- APOE and Fat Metabolism ∞ The Apolipoprotein E ( APOE ) gene provides instructions for making a protein that is essential for the transport of cholesterol and other fats in the bloodstream. There are three common alleles, or versions, of this gene ∞ ε2, ε3, and ε4. The ε3 allele is the most common and is associated with “normal” fat metabolism. The ε2 allele is linked to slower processing of fats, while the ε4 allele is associated with higher levels of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, particularly in response to a diet high in saturated fat. An individual carrying the APOE ε4 allele may find that a standard Western diet leads to a rapid increase in cardiovascular risk markers. For this person, a personalized wellness plan would strongly emphasize a diet lower in saturated fats and rich in omega-3 fatty acids to support cardiovascular health. This is a clear instance where genetic information provides a compelling rationale for a specific dietary modification.
- FTO and Appetite Regulation ∞ The Fat Mass and Obesity-Associated ( FTO ) gene contains variants that are strongly linked to body mass index and the risk of obesity. Research has shown that certain FTO SNPs influence appetite, satiety, and food preferences. Individuals with the “risk” variant may experience reduced feelings of fullness after a meal and may have a preference for higher-calorie, energy-dense foods. Understanding this predisposition is incredibly empowering. It reframes the struggle with weight management from a failure of willpower to a biological reality. A person with this genotype might benefit from strategies specifically designed to enhance satiety, such as increasing protein and fiber intake, practicing mindful eating, and structuring meals to prevent excessive hunger.
- MTHFR and Methylation Support ∞ As discussed previously, the MTHFR gene is pivotal for folate metabolism and the broader process of methylation. An individual with a less efficient MTHFR variant has a specific, genetically determined need for enhanced support of their methylation cycle. This goes beyond simply consuming folate-rich foods. Their optimal wellness plan would include sources of pre-methylated B vitamins, such as methylfolate (B9), methylcobalamin (B12), and pyridoxal-5-phosphate (B6), to ensure these critical pathways have the resources they need to function effectively.
Specific gene variants in APOE, FTO, and MTHFR dictate your unique responses to dietary fats, appetite signals, and B-vitamin requirements, making dietary personalization essential.
Pharmacogenomics and Hormonal Optimization
The influence of your genetic blueprint extends directly into the clinical realm, particularly in how your body processes and responds to medications and hormones. The field of pharmacogenomics studies how genetic variations affect an individual’s response to drugs. This is especially relevant in the context of hormonal health and the application of therapies like Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) and other hormonal optimization protocols.
The primary family of enzymes responsible for metabolizing most therapeutic compounds is the Cytochrome P450 (CYP) system in the liver. These enzymes are the body’s primary detoxification and clearance machinery. Dozens of CYP genes exist, and many of them are highly polymorphic, meaning they have common variations that can dramatically alter their activity. Based on their CYP gene variants, individuals can be classified into different metabolizer phenotypes:
- Poor Metabolizers ∞ These individuals have gene variants that result in little to no enzyme activity. They clear certain drugs very slowly, which can lead to the compound accumulating in the body, increasing the risk of side effects and toxicity.
- Intermediate Metabolizers ∞ They possess one reduced-function allele and one normal-function allele, leading to decreased enzyme activity compared to normal.
- Extensive (Normal) Metabolizers ∞ They have two normal-function alleles and exhibit the expected enzyme activity, clearing drugs at a standard rate.
- Ultrarapid Metabolizers ∞ Due to gene duplications or highly active variants, these individuals have significantly increased enzyme activity. They clear certain drugs very quickly, which can mean a standard dose is ineffective because it is removed from the body before it can exert its therapeutic effect.
This genetic variability has profound implications for hormonal therapies. For instance, in a standard TRT protocol for men, anastrozole is often prescribed to inhibit the aromatase enzyme, which converts testosterone into estrogen. Anastrozole is metabolized by several CYP enzymes.
An individual who is an ultrarapid metabolizer of this drug might clear it so quickly that the standard dose is insufficient to control estrogen levels, leading to side effects like water retention and mood changes. Conversely, a poor metabolizer might experience an excessive drop in estrogen from the same dose, leading to joint pain, low libido, and poor cognitive function.
Genetic testing can predict these responses, allowing a clinician to adjust the starting dose or select an alternative medication, personalizing the protocol from day one for maximum efficacy and minimal side effects.
| Gene Category | Specific Gene Example | Function | Implication for Wellness Programs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nutrigenomics | APOE (ε4 allele) | Regulates cholesterol and fat transport. | Individuals may have a heightened LDL cholesterol response to saturated fat, indicating a need for a diet rich in unsaturated fats. |
| Nutrigenomics | MTHFR (C677T SNP) | Critical for folate metabolism and methylation. | Reduced efficiency suggests a need for methylated B-vitamins (L-methylfolate) over standard folic acid for optimal health. |
| Exercise Genomics | ACTN3 (R577X SNP) | Produces a protein in fast-twitch muscle fibers. | The ‘RR’ genotype is associated with power/sprint performance, while the ‘XX’ genotype is linked to endurance potential. |
| Exercise Genomics | ACE (I/D SNP) | Regulates blood pressure and tissue oxygenation. | The ‘I’ allele is associated with higher endurance capacity, while the ‘D’ allele is linked to strength and power advantages. |
| Pharmacogenomics | CYP2D6 | Metabolizes ~25% of all clinical drugs. | Metabolizer status (Poor to Ultrarapid) affects efficacy and side-effect risk for numerous medications, requiring dose adjustments. |
| Pharmacogenomics | CYP19A1 (Aromatase) | Converts androgens (testosterone) to estrogens. | Variations can influence baseline estrogen levels and the response to aromatase inhibitors used in hormonal therapy. |
What Determines Your Response to Exercise?
Just as genetics influences your nutritional needs, it also shapes your physiological response to exercise. Two individuals can follow the exact same training program and experience vastly different outcomes in terms of strength gains, muscle growth, and cardiovascular improvement. This variability is largely attributable to their unique genetic profiles. Understanding these predispositions allows for the intelligent design of an exercise program that aligns with your innate strengths, leading to better results and greater long-term adherence.
We have already discussed the ACTN3 gene and its role in differentiating power versus endurance potential. Another key player in this domain is the Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme ( ACE ) gene. This gene codes for an enzyme that plays a role in blood pressure regulation and tissue oxygenation.
The ACE gene has a common variation known as an insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism. The “I” allele is associated with lower ACE activity and has been linked to greater endurance performance. Athletes in sports like long-distance running and cycling have a higher frequency of the I allele.
In contrast, the “D” allele is associated with higher ACE activity and has been linked to greater strength and power. Athletes in sports requiring short bursts of maximal effort, such as sprinting and weightlifting, tend to have a higher frequency of the “D” allele.
The combination of ACTN3 and ACE genotypes can provide a powerful predictive insight into an individual’s athletic potential. A person with the ACTN3 RR genotype and the ACE DD genotype has a genetic profile strongly skewed towards power and strength. Their ideal training program would emphasize heavy resistance training and high-intensity interval work.
Conversely, an individual with the ACTN3 XX genotype and the ACE II genotype is genetically predisposed to excel in endurance activities. Their training should focus on developing aerobic capacity through sustained cardiovascular exercise. This knowledge does not limit an individual; it empowers them to train smarter, focusing their efforts where their biology is most prepared to respond.
Academic
The Epigenetic Regulation of the Hormonal Axis
To fully comprehend the intricate relationship between our genetic inheritance and our physiological state, we must look beyond the static sequence of DNA. The academic exploration of this topic moves into the realm of epigenetics, a sophisticated layer of biological regulation that determines how our genetic potential is expressed.
Epigenetics involves modifications to the DNA and its associated proteins that do not change the DNA sequence itself but act as a set of instructions, telling the cellular machinery which genes to read and which to ignore. These epigenetic marks are dynamic and can be influenced by a host of environmental factors, including nutrition, stress, toxin exposure, and even our thoughts and emotional states. This mechanism provides the biological bridge connecting our lived experiences to our hormonal and metabolic function.
At the center of our hormonal universe is the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal (HPG) axis. This elegant and complex feedback system governs reproductive function and the production of our primary sex hormones. The hypothalamus, a region in the brain, releases Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH).
This signals the pituitary gland to release Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH). These hormones, in turn, travel to the gonads (testes in men, ovaries in women) to stimulate the production of testosterone and estrogen.
These sex hormones then circulate throughout the body, exerting their wide-ranging effects, and also send feedback signals back to the hypothalamus and pituitary to modulate the entire system. The integrity and function of this axis are paramount to our vitality, mood, and overall well-being. Recent research has illuminated the profound role that epigenetic mechanisms play in the lifelong regulation of the HPG axis, from its initial development to its response to therapeutic interventions.
DNA Methylation as a Master Hormonal Switch
One of the most studied epigenetic mechanisms is DNA methylation. This process involves the addition of a small chemical group, a methyl group, to a specific site on a DNA molecule, typically at a cytosine base that is followed by a guanine (a CpG site).
When methylation occurs in the promoter region of a gene ∞ the area that acts as the “on/off” switch ∞ it generally leads to gene silencing. The methyl groups act as physical barriers, preventing the transcriptional machinery from accessing the gene and reading its instructions. Conversely, the removal of these methyl groups, or demethylation, can open up the gene for expression.
The genes that control the HPG axis, such as the gene for GnRH ( GnRH1 ) and the gene for its receptor ( KISS1R, which responds to the signaling molecule kisspeptin), are under tight epigenetic control. During childhood, these genes are kept in a repressed state, in part through DNA methylation, preventing the premature onset of puberty.
As an individual approaches puberty, a complex and coordinated process of demethylation occurs, allowing these genes to be expressed and activating the entire HPG axis. This process is not solely developmental; it is continuous. Environmental factors can influence these methylation patterns throughout life.
For example, chronic psychological stress has been shown to alter DNA methylation patterns in the hypothalamus, potentially contributing to the suppression of the HPG axis and leading to conditions like hypothalamic amenorrhea in women or stress-induced hypogonadism in men. This provides a molecular explanation for how our external environment can directly impact our internal hormonal milieu.
Epigenetic marks like DNA methylation act as dynamic regulators of the HPG axis, translating environmental signals such as stress and nutrition into lasting changes in hormonal function.
Histone Modification the Architecture of Gene Expression
Another critical layer of epigenetic control is histone modification. DNA in our cells is not a free-floating strand; it is tightly wound around proteins called histones, forming a complex known as chromatin. The structure of this chromatin ∞ whether it is tightly packed or loosely open ∞ determines which genes are accessible for transcription. Think of it as the difference between a closed, tightly bound book and an open one. Only the open book can be read.
The tails of histone proteins can be chemically modified in numerous ways, including acetylation, methylation, and phosphorylation. Histone acetylation, the addition of an acetyl group, generally neutralizes the positive charge of the histone, causing it to loosen its grip on the negatively charged DNA.
This results in a more open chromatin structure (euchromatin), allowing for active gene expression. In contrast, the removal of acetyl groups by enzymes called histone deacetylases (HDACs) leads to a more condensed chromatin structure (heterochromatin), silencing the genes within that region.
The regulation of genes within the HPG axis involves a dynamic interplay between histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and HDACs. The balance of their activity can be influenced by metabolic state. For instance, cellular energy sensors can modulate the activity of these enzymes, providing a direct link between energy availability (from nutrition) and the expression of reproductive hormones.
A state of significant caloric deficit can lead to changes in histone acetylation that suppress GnRH expression, representing a sophisticated biological adaptation to conserve resources when energy is scarce.
| Mechanism | Molecular Process | Effect on Gene Expression | Relevance to HPG Axis |
|---|---|---|---|
| DNA Methylation | Addition of a methyl group to a CpG site in a gene’s promoter region. | Typically causes gene silencing by blocking transcription machinery. | Maintains prepubertal repression of GnRH and Kiss1 genes; can be altered by chronic stress, affecting adult hormonal balance. |
| Histone Acetylation | Addition of an acetyl group to histone tails by Histone Acetyltransferases (HATs). | Promotes gene expression by creating a relaxed, accessible chromatin structure (euchromatin). | Activation of key pubertal genes is associated with increased histone acetylation, linking metabolic state to reproductive readiness. |
| Histone Deacetylation | Removal of an acetyl group from histone tails by Histone Deacetylases (HDACs). | Causes gene silencing by creating a condensed, inaccessible chromatin structure (heterochromatin). | Contributes to the suppression of the HPG axis in response to negative energy balance or other environmental stressors. |
| MicroRNAs (miRNAs) | Small non-coding RNA molecules bind to messenger RNA (mRNA). | Inhibits translation of mRNA into protein or targets mRNA for degradation, effectively silencing gene expression post-transcriptionally. | Fine-tunes the expression of hormonal receptors and signaling molecules within the hypothalamus and pituitary, adding another layer of regulatory control. |
How Do Environmental Factors Epigenetically Shape Hormonal Health?
The clinical significance of this epigenetic framework is immense. It provides a sophisticated model for understanding how an individual’s unique life history and environment can shape their response to a wellness program, including hormonal optimization protocols. The effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), chronic inflammation, and nutritional deficiencies can all be mediated through epigenetic changes that alter the function of the HPG axis.
For example, exposure to certain EDCs, like Bisphenol A (BPA), has been shown to alter DNA methylation patterns on genes critical for reproductive health. These changes can have long-lasting, even transgenerational, effects. Similarly, a pro-inflammatory diet can lead to systemic inflammation, which in turn can influence the activity of epigenetic enzymes, potentially leading to the suppression of steroidogenic genes responsible for producing testosterone.
This means that two individuals with identical genetic sequences for key hormonal genes could have vastly different hormonal profiles based on their cumulative lifetime exposures and lifestyle choices, as recorded in their epigenome.
This understanding elevates the practice of personalized medicine. A comprehensive wellness protocol should account for these epigenetic influences. It suggests that interventions aimed at supporting healthy methylation (e.g. adequate intake of B vitamins, choline, and methionine) and reducing systemic inflammation (e.g.
a diet rich in polyphenols and omega-3 fatty acids, stress management) are foundational for optimizing the endocrine system. These interventions are effective because they operate at the epigenetic level, helping to ensure that the genetic instructions for robust hormonal health are being properly read. In this light, a wellness program is a form of information therapy; it is a concerted effort to send the right signals to your epigenome to promote the optimal expression of your genetic blueprint for vitality.
References
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Reflection
The Architect of Your Vitality
The information presented here is a map, a detailed guide to the internal landscape of your physiology. It illuminates the intricate connections between your inherited blueprint, your daily choices, and the profound experience of your own vitality. This knowledge serves a singular purpose ∞ to shift your perspective from that of a passenger in your own health journey to that of the architect.
Understanding the language of your genes, the dialogue between your cells and your environment, and the sophisticated regulatory systems that govern your being provides you with a new set of tools. These are tools of precision, insight, and profound self-awareness.
This journey into your own biology is a continuous one. The map is not the territory, and the data points are just the beginning of the story. The true work lies in applying this knowledge, in observing how your body responds, and in cultivating a deeper partnership with your own physiology.
How does your energy shift when you align your nutrition with your genetic predispositions? What changes do you notice in your strength, your endurance, and your recovery when your training honors your innate physical gifts? The answers to these questions are found not in a lab report, but in your lived experience.
The ultimate goal is to integrate this scientific understanding into a life of conscious choices, creating a reality where you are not simply managing symptoms but actively building a foundation for sustained, resilient health. You possess the blueprint; now you can begin to build.
