Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

DNA can't explain all inherited biological traits, research shows
Science Daily ^ | 4-2-2015 | University of Edinburgh

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 ...


TOPICS: Chit/Chat
KEYWORDS: agriculture; animalhusbandry; diabetes; dietandcuisine; disease; dna; drought; famine; globalwarminghoax; godsgravesglyphs; health; helixmakemineadouble; histones; huntergatherers; illness; lamarckian; lamarckism; lysenkoism; mentalillness; mtdna; obesity; popefrancis; proteins; romancatholicism; science; trauma
This might explain why Chelsea Clinton looks like she is related to Web Hubble.
1 posted on 04/03/2015 11:57:35 AM PDT by Citizen Zed
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | View Replies]

To: Citizen Zed

This might explain why Chelsea Clinton looks like she is related to Web Hubble.

Or maybe why Frank Davis looks so much like 0


2 posted on 04/03/2015 12:00:12 PM PDT by mountainlion (Live well for those that did not make it back.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: mountainlion

I say that there are other body liquids that may tweak the DNA developement. Saliva...and tears.... just an odd idea.


3 posted on 04/03/2015 12:07:44 PM PDT by rovenstinez
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: Citizen Zed
Sexism in the cells. Notice that the control freaks are histones, not hertones.
4 posted on 04/03/2015 12:15:21 PM PDT by Verginius Rufus
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Verginius Rufus

Maybe the new discipline of Psychoneuroimmunology is on to something.


5 posted on 04/03/2015 12:24:59 PM PDT by Salvey
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 4 | View Replies]

To: mountainlion

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.


6 posted on 04/03/2015 12:33:28 PM PDT by Mouton (The insurrection laws perpetuate what we have for a government now.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: Citizen Zed

7 posted on 04/03/2015 12:39:22 PM PDT by JoeProBono (SOME IMAGES MAY BE DISTURBING VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED;-{)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: martin_fierro; StayAt HomeMother; Ernest_at_the_Beach; decimon; 1010RD; 21twelve; 24Karet; ...
Thanks Citizen Zed.

8 posted on 04/03/2015 12:39:37 PM PDT by SunkenCiv (What do we want? REGIME CHANGE! When do we want it? NOW!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | View Replies]

To: 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.


9 posted on 04/03/2015 12:47:43 PM PDT by Cold Heart
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: JoeProBono

lol!


10 posted on 04/03/2015 1:04:48 PM PDT by brivette
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 7 | View Replies]

To: Cold Heart

I might add, societies that have been under largess for periods of time.


11 posted on 04/03/2015 1:13:40 PM PDT by Cold Heart
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 9 | View Replies]

To: mountainlion

DNA would account for that without new mechanisms.


12 posted on 04/03/2015 1:14:34 PM PDT by buwaya
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: Citizen Zed

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.


13 posted on 04/03/2015 1:16:00 PM PDT by normbal (normbal. somewhere in socialist occupied America)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Citizen Zed

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.


14 posted on 04/03/2015 5:20:22 PM PDT by wildbill (If you check behind the shower curtain for a murderer, and find one.... what's your plan?)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: wildbill

“As Heard On The History Channel!”


15 posted on 04/04/2015 5:52:20 AM PDT by ConservativeMind ("Humane" = "Don't pen up pets or eat meat, but allow infanticide, abortion, and euthanasia.")
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 14 | View Replies]

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson