Environmental Versus Epigenetic Theories
| Epigenetics can be defined as covalent modifications occurring in the DNA and the chromatin allowing cells to maintain distinct and different characteristics despite containing the same genetic material. Most of these modifications are hereditary and are passed on to the next generation. |
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Epigenetic modifications include methylation, phosphorylation, acetylation, neddylation, sumoylation, chromatin remodelling and ubiquitinylation. These modifications are very vital for many cellular mechanisms. Cells are well-adapted to regulate any kind of epigenetic changes.
Epigenetical theories are highly useful in understanding various medical complications that are caused due to gene deletions including cancers, congnitive dysfunction, respiratory diseases, cardiovascular aberrations, reproductive disorders, autoimmune diseases and neurobehavioral illnesses.
Epigenetic theories primarily emphasize on the interaction between genes and the environment. As per the epigenetic theory, evolution of species is mainly controlled by the environment. Epigenetic theories acknowledge the powerful instincts and abilities of organisms that are inherited biologically. According to these theories, environment has a profound role to play in determining the epigenetical modifications occurring in an individual’s genome that ultimately influence the development of an individual and the process of heredity.
Improper epigenetic modifications can be detrimental for an individual’s health and behavior. Primary cause of epigenetic modification related diseases has been linked to various kinds of environmental agents including heavy metals, pesticides, diesel exhaust and tobacco smoke, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, radioactive materials, polyvinyl hydrocarbons, viruses and even bacteria. Not only the substances, but also the environment in which an individual is groomed can also cause changes in the DNA methylation and histone acetylation patterns in the neurological system, thereby affecting the mental health and psychological behavior of a person.
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