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IcerocketThe New Genetics
The latest science on how your cells make you who you are
Posted 09.17.2008 at 1:30 pm
3 Comments
The New Genetics:
Andrew Syred/Photo Researchers
Epigenetics is the idea that, contrary to decades of genetic theory, your genetic code isn’t the only thing that controls how your cells behave. Scientists now realize that chemicals and other environmental influences that can modify the physical structure of your DNA are at least as important as the actual genetic code. Even more surprising, these modifications are inheritable. It’s possible, for example, that your grandmother’s poor diet could affect your own health by making your DNA harder to read for the proteins that help maintain cellular functions.
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Comments
Is this enough basis or reason for the need of genetic "tinkering" in the future? (?_?)
6 out of 16 people found this comment helpfulIsnt that logical. I tought it was a common knowledge so far. Its a case of addaption, continuity, and learning process.
1 out of 8 people found this comment helpfulFood=protiens=growth, makes perfect sense if you ask me. We are just now realizing that environmental factors as well as many others contribute to the growth and development of ourselves? along with the overall development of our genetic structure? As koxl said i thought it was common knowledge. As far as mr. Smoltz is concerned genetic reconstruction and reconfiguration may seem like an act against god to some but then again think about how many lives we would possibly be able to save if we could shut off or even remove a genome responsible for heart desease.
7 out of 13 people found this comment helpful