We human have about 20 000 to 25 000 genes, 2 copies of each gene, one inherited from each parent and only one tenth of them are expressed.
Epigenetic is the study of how our behaviours and environment can cause chemical reaction at a molecular level which can affect the way our genes are expressed.
This is the reason why identical twins with identical set of genes could turn out differently in physical health, character and temperament as they aged while still looking strikingly the same.
Our gene provides the instruction for the development and maintenance of the body. The epigenome is a group of chemical compounds that can interact with our DNA.
Epigenetic modifications ( DNA methylation, Histone modification and non-coding RNA) are chemical events that can turn a particular gene ‘on’ or ‘off’ without changing the underlying genetic code. These events are influenced by our diet, chemical exposure, exercises, and even by our life experiences.
Over the years, there are increasing evidence proving that our way of life can greatly affect our biology. One research has found that eating well can "turn off" the genes that put one at higher risk for heart problems while another demonstrates that exercise can persuade stem cells to become bone and blood cells rather than fat cells.
We once believed that genes create diseases, but the truth is less than 1% of people on the planet are born with genetic conditions early onset. The other 99% is created from lifestyle behaviour and choices.
Genes do not create all diseases but they do correlate with diseases. We cannot erase our inherited genes, especially the faulty ones but we can dampen them with our lifestyle choices.
Bad genes do not always lead to bad diseases and having inherited a good set of genes do not promise longevity and good health.
There is still so much to learn about human body and being human. After all these time, are we really in control of our biology?
Are we the genetic engineer of our own?
… to be continued in Part 2
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