PsychologyCode Series – Article 5 [ Originally Written on August 1, 2013 ]
Epigenetics: Genetic Plasticity
In order to wrap up this weeks series on neuroplasticity, the power of the brain to change, I thought we would look a little deeper into the nucleus of our design. Today we will discuss how the ‘brain’ within every cell of our body is also plastic and adaptable.
The nucleus of a cell can be thought of as its brain, and all the information inside is stored within our DNA. Current understanding of DNA has paved the way for new sciences, technologies, and it has helped billions of people along the way. This understanding, however, has also creates an unsettling implication: ‘If everything in my life is determined by my DNA, am I just a mechanical machine following a predetermined code?’. Although this ‘genetic understanding’ has given much insight into the way we work, what is it also implying about free-will?
Consider the following:
If someone found out they had a genetic predisposition for a certain disorder or behaviour they may not even try to overcome it. Imagine how troubling it would be to know that your genes were preventing you from achieving dreams, and also being told that this outcome of your life is essentially predetermined.
In order to demonstrate this point more clearly lets take a moment to look at the science fiction movie titled Gattaca.
In this future set film DNA understanding has influenced everything. In fact every new born is now required to have their DNA analyzed and put on record. Based on the analysis certain future paths are immediately ruled out. People with aggressive tendencies are likely to be treated more like criminals even before they commit any crimes. In the case of the main character ‘Anton’, his dream of becoming an astronaut is shattered when he learns that there is a high probability he will develop a fatal heart condition. As a result his career path becomes limited from birth. I will not spoil the plot by saying anything more. If you have not seen this movie I strongly recommend doing so.
The consequences of a strictly predetermined code running us is unsettling, however, with the new concept of epigenetics we may be able to have our genetic ‘cake’ and change it too. You see there is so much information within our DNA. In order to talk about this heap of information we usually break it down, and describe specific Genes.
A Gene is like the code for a module which produces proteins to perform certain functions. All of these protein ‘modules’ work together in order to give rise to us. If a bit of DNA was damaged within the cells we usually can still function because there is a certain amount of redundancy within our code. In other words, we may have multiple genes capable of performing similar tasks, but in a different ways.
The term Epigenetics literally means ‘Above the Genes’. It is a method of changing the way our cells interpret our genetic code, and in turn, a method of changing our genetic expression. Below is a diagram that describes methods by which our cells are able to ‘non-destructively modify’ our DNA.
Pictured here are two methods of altering our genetic expression.
These changes happen as a result of our environment, activities, emotions, and thoughts. Our cells actually learn from experience which genes served them well, and which genes were troublesome. The cells then can change the probability of those genes being implemented within their day-to-day life. What is even more fascinating is that it seems these epigenetic flags are inherited to our cells offspring. The offspring would then continue to make changes based upon their unique experience/environment, but this still means that the cells within our body are unique with a sort of ‘epigenetic memory’ of not only their own, but also their parents experiences.
Previously we use to think in black and white terms —
‘Why am I the why I am: My Upbringing?, or my Genetics?’
However, with epigenetics on the scene it is more accurate to say that we are born with a ‘Fate Framework’, and throughout our lives we evolve and make this framework our own unique life experience!
More Information:
Epigenetics: DNA Isn’t Everything
Epigenetics Study
Epigenetic Changes to Fat Cells Following Exercise
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