Week 9- Epigenetics & Obesity

Epigenetics & obesity

 Our understanding of genetics has grown rapidly over the last few decades. One of the newest areas of interest is epigenetics. Your DNA is contains all the genes you've inherited, and this is fixed, but the DNA can become more and less coiled, as a result of exposure to different chemicals, stressors and environments. The more coiled DNA is the less likely the genes are to be expressed, but if the it becomes less coiled, the genes can be read and expressed, altering your characteristics. 

 There have been a number of observations of humans and the effect of famines on obesity levels in subsequent offspring. Have a look at this article on the dutch famine: http://www.naturalhistorymag.com/features/142195/beyond-dna-epigenetics



 There have also been a number of animal studies, usually on mice to test the validity of these claims. Have a look at this article: http://www.the-scientist.com/?articles.view/articleNo/45558/title/Obesity--Diabetes--and-Epigenetic-Inheritance/ 



 Task:

  • Summarise one of the articles in your own words in the comment section below, explaining what it tells us about obesity.
Fat fanatic:
If you ant to find out more about epigenetics have a look at this excellent website: http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/epigenetics/ 

And/or listen to this TED talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTBg6hqeuTg

If you find any other articles about epigenetics add them to the comment section below.

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