...Epigenetics What is epigenetics? Epigenetics refers to external modifications to DNA that turns genes "on" or "off". The DNA sequence is not changed, these modifications just affect how the genes are read. Epigenetic regulation involves the modification of DNA and the proteins associated with DNA, which results in changes to the conformation of DNA without a change in its sequence. In some cases, epigenetic modifications are stable and passed down to future generations, but in others cases they are dynamic and change in response to environmental stimuli. Two common molecular mechanisms that regulate epigenetics are DNA methylation and histone modifications. Epigenetic processes are essential for development and differentiation, but they...
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...Introduction: Epigenetics is the study of heritable variations in gene activity and expression without alternation in DNA sequence, this kind of stable alternations can be passed down to progeny in short term, however, in some broader definitions, heritability is not necessary condition, for example, in the overview of the Roadmap Epigenomics Project, epigenetics is regarded as ‘also stable, long-term, alterations in the transcriptional potential of a cell that are not necessarily heritable’. Patterns of epigenetic modifications are thought to include: (1) methylation on cytosine (DNA methylation); (2) modification of histone proteins and chromatin architecture; (3) small and non-coding RNA-based mechanisms. Two major epigenetic modifications: DNA methylation and histone modifications have been focused in studies of development and cell proliferation over the past few years [1,2]. Recently, the epigenetic modifications are found associating with memory, behaviour and environment. For instance, memories formation, dynamic regulation in behaviour changes...
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...of Communication in Scientific Societies The way that societies as a whole interact has changed tremendously since the beginning of the modern communication era. With the development of electronic computers and, subsequently, the invention of the internet, the science community particularly has had a drastic shift in the scientific publication process. Journals that took months to publish, print and be delivered, are now instantly made available through online websites. Moreover, modernizing resources results in the increase in the available, accessible information for the community. Since the beginning of the century, online science journals have made the scientific community cohesive by providing with the most up to date findings for research being conducted in particular fields as well as all are new ways to “interact” amongst individuals. For this report we have chosen four online resources that provide information on the area of biomolecular biology and neurology, we will enumerate their usefulness to our particular field of interest and their incidence in our future professional careers. In the 1850’s, an Austrian monk Gregor Mendel discovered that he can manipulate plant offspring to breed plants selectively with traits that he wished to see; he cross-bred two tall pea plants and found that the offspring almost certainly expressed the "tall" feature. At the time, the scientific community was ignorant with genetic and DNA comprehension, but Mendel's work would prove to...
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...Epigenetics is the study of chemical changes that alter the genome and lead to a resultant change in expression of the genes. These changes may result in detrimental effects, especially in an individual's early life, when most organs are developing. Epigenesist brings such changes in development because it will lead to expression of undesired proteins from the genome which the core requirement for phenotypic expression (Mitchell et al., 2013). After the process, the genomes formed will be different from the usual ones hence a different protein will be expressed by the affected cell; and this may be an adverse effect. The epigenetics video shows how various chemical modifications occur to the genome, interacting specifically with DNA, and the...
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...Unit 2, Ind. Project , American Intercontinental University Theories of Crime causation Criminal justice 105 Abstract This paper discusses the merits of the idea that genetics are a source for criminal behavior. The author of this paper includes examples that she found through research studies. The author also includes the results and findings for twin, adoption and testosterone studies that were conducted by top professionals in the study of genetics and the biological environments that surround us. The author also has listed some of the dangers of suggesting that there is in fact a criminal gene in the field of Criminal justice that is in existence and what the repercussions would be if it was proven to be the truth. This paper is informative and professionally cited. Discuss the merits of the idea that genetics are a source for criminal behavior. Criminality is definitely influenced by genetic factors as well as environment. For example studies were conducted among adopted children that have a biological parent that is a criminal these children have a higher risk of engaging in criminal activities, according to Richard J. Hernstein. He asserts that there have been many other studies that confirm certain physical traits, such as muscularity, gender and some have an extra Y chromosome, these children were also at a higher risk of committing crime. Therefore the late Hernstein argues, it’s refutable that criminal behavior has a genetic source. All...
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...Unit 2, Ind. Project , American Intercontinental University Theories of Crime causation Criminal justice 105 Abstract This paper discusses the merits of the idea that genetics are a source for criminal behavior. The author of this paper includes examples that she found through research studies. The author also includes the results and findings for twin, adoption and testosterone studies that were conducted by top professionals in the study of genetics and the biological environments that surround us. The author also has listed some of the dangers of suggesting that there is in fact a criminal gene in the field of Criminal justice that is in existence and what the repercussions would be if it was proven to be the truth. This paper is informative and professionally cited. Discuss the merits of the idea that genetics are a source for criminal behavior. Criminality is definitely influenced by genetic factors as well as environment. For example studies were conducted among adopted children that have a biological parent that is a criminal these children have a higher risk of engaging in criminal activities, according to Richard J. Hernstein. He asserts that there have been many other studies that confirm certain physical traits, such as muscularity, gender and some have an extra Y chromosome, these children were also at a higher risk of committing crime. Therefore the late Hernstein argues, it’s refutable that criminal behavior has a genetic source. All...
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...Introduction Do organisms undergo a long and gradual processes of evolution, or do they exist for long periods of stasis – minimal change – and abruptly evolve into a different form? These two questions surround the debate of whether evolution occurs by phyletic gradualism, or by punctuated equilibrium, respectively. This paper will present both hypotheses and reasons for their prevalence, then it will argue one hypothesis with current research on the topic, finishing with suggestions for further research and direction. Hypotheses The hypothesis of gradual change is termed Phyletic Gradualism, and it describes evolution to happen as a slow and gradual process, whereby a large ancestral population transforms into a distinct descendent (Eldredge...
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...Abstract Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a behavioral condition that occurs in individuals who have been exposed to a traumatic event. In this paper, PTSD is examined through multiple studies as an example of a human behavioral trait in an effort to discover the extent of its heritability as well as to challenge Erik Turkheimer’s “first law” of behavioral genetics. From twin studies and family studies of individuals with PTSD, it is apparent that the heritability of PTSD is correlated with multiple factors such as sex, family history, and educational background. The environmental factor of nonshared experiences before experiencing a traumatic event can also significantly influence PTSD development in both monozygotic and dizygotic...
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...Article Critique | * | This week’s critique I decided to do my paper on how researchers unlocked how cells determine their functions. In the reading, researchers found how proteins bind to target DNA and activate certain genes will function in the body. The protein that researchers found was called epigenetic activators, which they found another protein pretty similar to one that they had found in a fruit fly, called the Ash 1 protein. These genes turn on expression on specific target genes. The activators recognize also bind to the target gene was unknown to researchers and further study was conducted to pin point why. While conducting their research, they found that the epigenetic activator Ash1 enlisted specific genes through cell types for certain non-coding RNA, stated Dr Sauer. While Ash1 binds to the targeted DNA elements called Thrithorax-response elements (TREs) which is located in the Ultrabithorax. How this works, non-coding RNA is produced and retained at the TRE of UBX, helping activate the expression of the UBX gene, by doing so this function attacks the Ash1 to the TREs. This stage changes the function of the cells. Knowing this, they can now use the non-coding RNA to actively control the destiny. Over several years studies were conducted on how noncoding RNAs silences genes. The works that Dr Sauer and others have now gained a wider knowledge then what was previously thought to be. They had suggested understood how the genes could be silence, now they...
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...frameworks indicates that addictions may have a genetic component that leads to a predisposition to develop addiction, a disease model of addiction or as the result of self-medicating of a primary disorder. This paper will take a theoretical view of the causes of addiction as well as developing a working definition of addiction. Causes of Addiction There are numerous theories regarding addiction and the causes of addiction; however, for the purpose of this paper we will discuss three areas or models of addiction as it relates to substance and alcohol related abuse. Before delving into the causes of addiction we will develop an understanding of what addiction is and what it is not by viewing a few theories and definitions of addiction. We will also develop an understanding of what constitute a diagnosis of addiction and causes one to develop an addiction in the context of genetic predisposition, disease and the prevalence of addiction among individuals with co-occurring disorders stemming from traumatic experiences such as childhood abuse. Addiction Defining addiction is not a simplistic task as there are many theories and definitions of addiction and how addiction develops. In Drugs and addiction: an Introduction to Epigenetics, Wong, Mill, & Fernandes (2011) defines addiction as “a debilitating psychiatric disorder, with a complex etiology involving the interaction of inherited predispositions and environmental factors” (Wong, Mill...
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...Life Span Perspective Dennis L. Bentley Life Span Human Development- PSY/375 November 7, 2011 Professor Deborah Wilkerson M.A., ABD What is the life span perspective of development? And what do heredity and environment have to do with a persons’ development? These are two questions that shall be answered by this paper along with a summary of the two theories of life span development. This paper will utilize the internet and the library of the University of Phoenix to assist in the answering of these questions. A very through and complete paper is not possible given the restraints, however every effort will be made to achieve the papers’ intention. To begin with the life span development perspective can be defined by Erickson eight stages or the different thoughts brought about by Behavioral, Cognitive, Epigenetic, or Sociocultural theorist. Whatever the school the basics are the same 1) we never stop learning, 2) development begins at birth, and 3), it does not end until death. As Santrock (1999) put it as "some aspects of development increase while others decrease". This is seen as plastic meaning that there is a certain elasticity that occurs in response to the different environmental demands that one might have during life. Like wise there are three domains that key in this perspective they are physical, cognitive, and social. In the physical, height, weight, and shape changes are the ingredients of what a person sees...
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...Perfect Research (Griffiths, 1998, p97). The issue of whether doing a perfect research is feasible or not has in the recent years, become a key issue of debates in the world of research and inventions. It is usual that the level of perfection committed to any given research, is in most cases, is bent towards the achievement of the research’s primary goals. Based on the fact that human beings possess varied intellectual capabilities, have constructive, reflective and inquisitive minds, and are prone to the commission of errors, it is certain that nothing can be done to perfection. In spite of the fact that many discoveries, developments and inventions seem to be perfect, research has always proved that they can be improved upon. In the light of these lines, I do agree with Griffith on the statement that there is no hope of doing perfect research. The definition of the term research by the Merriam-Webster dictionary is a devoted and systematic study, investigation or examination of previously done work, with an aim of establishing or developing new inventions or conclusions. The term may also be used to imply to the revision of already existing laws, theories or experiments with a target of discovering new facts and findings. This makes the hope of doing perfect research unfeasible. The various developments and transformations, which the world has gone through since the dawn of civilization, satisfy the statement that there is no hope in doing perfect research. In this paper, I am...
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...A review paper published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal provides a summary of the current understanding of ASD and suggests a comprehensive set of guidelines on best practices for detection, diagnosis and treatment for children with autism based on the currently available evidence randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or systematic reviews. - See more at: "We have come to understand ASD as a remarkably heterogeneous constellation of conditions that covary with other disabilities and disorders (e.g., intellectual disability, epilepsy, ADHD, anxiety disorders) and various medical problems," writes Dr. Stephen Scherer, senior scientist and director of The Centre for Applied Genomics at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) and director of the McLaughlin Centre at the University of Toronto, with coauthors. "Recent discoveries of underlying genomic factors have shown great complexity and implicate various networks of causal factors." ASD, which includes a variety of traits that range from mild to severe, is estimated to affect about 1% of the population, although it is under-recognized in the developing world. The review, by specialists in pediatrics, psychiatry, epidemiology, neurology and genetics from across Canada, outlines the current understanding of ASD and best practices for pediatricians, family doctors and specialist clinics, and identifies resources for clinicians. Topics include: What causes autism? The causes are thought to be multi-factorial: genetic...
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...Theories and Theorists Application 1 Week 5 Kimberly Perkins Walden University Theory is described as “a set of interrelated constructs, definitions and propositions that presents a systematic view of phenomena by specifying relations among variables with the purpose of explaining natural phenomena” (Creswell, 2009). There are multiple theories that are used in the field of psychology such as Cognitive Behavioral Theory, Learning Theory and Personality Theories to name a few. For the purpose of this paper I have chosen to further explore the Humanistic and Developmental Theories. Humanistic Theory believes that humans are different from all organisms and that they control all events and destinies that shape the world around them (Crandell, Crandell and Zanden, 2009). Humanistic theorists believe in the holistic approach, the whole individual and their surroundings are taken into account and they are not just seen as a number or data that is being collected. These theorists argue that “scientific inquiry should be directed toward helping people achieve freedom, hope and self-fulfillment ( Crandell et al. 2009). The goal in mind for this theory is to have the individual viewed as the controller of their situation, making the individual more motivated and have increased self-esteem. One of the greatest Humanistic theorists in my opinion was Carl Rogers. Carl Rogers was born in 1902 in Oak Park Illinois. Roger’s initial major was in agriculture however after 2 years he...
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...planting Barley varieties that carry adult plant resistance genes Rph 20 and Rph 23 to prevent barley leaf rust damaging their crops. Scientists in Rotterdam have found a gene that affects how old people look. Companies can now work on a product to prevent the ageing process. The discovery of the CD33 Alzheimer’s disease gene has companies working on a drug to prevent nerve cell death. Forensic science has benefitted hugely because of DNA testing. Inheriting a genetic set of conditions such as cancer, heart disease, depression, etc., cannot be changed. However, we can choose to prevent it from happening by lifestyle changes in the workplace, at home, in school by taking the stress out of tasks, such as homework and difficult assignments. Epigenetics, above and beyond genes, is the 21st century...
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