A Super Brief and Basic Explanation of Epigenetics for …

In simplified terms, epigenetics is the study of biological mechanisms that will switch genes on and off. What does that mean? Well, if you are new to this whole thing, we first need a quick crash course in biochemistry and genetics:

Now that you understand genetics, lets learn about epigenetics. Epigenetics, essentially, affects how genes are read by cells, and subsequently how they produce proteins. Here are a few important points about epigenetics:

Heres an analogy that might further help you to understand epigenetics. Think of the human life span as a very long movie. The cells would be the actors and actresses, essential units that make up the movie. DNA, in turn, would be the script instructions for all the participants of the movie to perform their roles. Subsequently, the DNA sequence would be the words on the script, and certain blocks of these words that instruct key actions or events to take place would be the genes. The concept of genetics would be like screenwriting. Follow the analogy so far? Good. The concept ofepigenetics, then, would be like directing. The script can be the same, but the director can choose to eliminate certain scenes or dialogue, altering the movie for better or worse. After all, Steven Spielbergs finished product would be drastically different than Woody Allens forthe same movie script, wouldnt it?

* Editors Note: Be wary of self-help claims that exploit epigenetics and seem too good to be true. We recommend you read about the abuseof epigenetics and pseudoscience.

Ready to learn epigenetics in further detail? Read on:Fundamentals of Epigenetics

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A Super Brief and Basic Explanation of Epigenetics for ...