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| Some Epigenetic Mechanisms (NIH) |
It seems that nurture might now be winning the nature vs. nurture debate.
What happens during your lifetime influences not only your personality, but also your genetic makeup. This
striking discovery was reported on by Russell Brandom in his recent article for The Verge on "why DNA isn't destiny…"
In discussing the results from a recent Laval University study of mothers who had undergone gastric bypass surgery, Brandom explained that this surgery had changed their genetic markers (not the "genetic code itself, but the markers in between that code").
Not only that, these genetic-marker changes were then passed on to their subsequent offspring.
This astonishing latter finding, which is known as "the phenomenon of epigenetic inheritance," means that "characteristics can be passed down from parent to child without ever touching the genetic code."
This is both empowering and frightening. It could mean that the good and the bad within people's overall lives would be passed on for generations to come.
…I, the Lord your God,
am a jealous God, punishing the children
for the sin of the parents to the third
and fourth generation of those who hate me,
but showing love to a thousand generations
of those who love me and keep my commandments. (Deuteronomy 5:9-10, NIV)
Resources
http://www.theverge.com/2013/12/13/5207640/the-shadow-genome-why-dna-isnt-destiny-epigenetics
Copyright December 14, 2013 by Linda Van Slyke All Rights Reserved
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