Posted on 04/03/2015 11:57:35 AM PDT by Citizen Zed
Characteristics passed between generations are not decided solely by DNA, but can be brought about by other material in cells, new research shows.
Scientists studied proteins found in cells, known as histones, which are not part of the genetic code, but act as spools around which DNA is wound. Histones are known to control whether or not genes are switched on.
Researchers found that naturally occurring changes to these proteins, which affect how they control genes, can be sustained from one generation to the next and so influence which traits are passed on.
The finding demonstrates for the first time that DNA is not solely responsible for how characteristics are inherited. It paves the way for research into how and when this method of inheritance occurs in nature, and if it is linked to particular traits or health conditions.
It may also inform research into whether changes to the histone proteins that are caused by environmental conditions -- such as stress or diet -- can influence the function of genes passed on to offspring.
The research confirms a long-held expectation among scientists that genes could be controlled across generations by such changes. However, it remains to be seen how common the process is, researchers say.
Scientists tested the theory by carrying out experiments in a yeast with similar gene control mechanisms to human cells. They introduced changes to a histone protein, mimicking those that occur naturally, causing it to switch off nearby genes. The effect was inherited by subsequent generations of yeast cells.
The study, published in Science, was supported by the Wellcome Trust and the EC EpiGeneSys Network.
(Excerpt) Read more at sciencedaily.com ...
This might explain why Chelsea Clinton looks like she is related to Web Hubble.
Or maybe why Frank Davis looks so much like 0
I say that there are other body liquids that may tweak the DNA developement. Saliva...and tears.... just an odd idea.
Maybe the new discipline of Psychoneuroimmunology is on to something.
Or maybe why Frank Davis looks so much like 0.
I always thought he resembled the Johns visiting the $2 hookers on Hotel Street during fleet week at Pearl.
Thanks Citizen Zed.
This is a deeper subject than your comment.
One of my observations is physical appearance of people and their offspring who have been under physical and mental stress for long periods of time. Compare N. Korea to S. Korea as a really good example.
European peasants etc.
lol!
I might add, societies that have been under largess for periods of time.
DNA would account for that without new mechanisms.
There are several references in The Bible to “the sins of the father” being visited/inflicted upon “the third and fourth generations.”
I have yet to read or hear of any such cultural reference about the sins of the mother.
I suppose it’s because our ancestors knew, as we do today, that EVERYbody knows those just go on forever and aren’t worth mention.
...............
Thank you, I’ll be here all month, two shows Friday and Saturday nights. Tip your wait staff.
Don’t forget the mystery genes in the DNA sequence that were probably caused by Ancient Aliens mating with our primitive forebears to create the human species.
“As Heard On The History Channel!”
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