Explain the mechanism of epigenetics. How is it different and/or related to genetic influence? How does it work for gender orientation or delinquency?
Epigenetics is the study of heritable changes in gene expression (active versus inactive genes) that do not involve changes to the underlying DNA sequence — a change in phenotype without a change in genotype — which in turn affects how cells read the genes. Epigenetic change is a regular and natural occurrence but can also be influenced by several factors including age, the environment/lifestyle, and disease state. Epigenetic modifications can manifest as commonly as the manner in which cells terminally differentiate to end up as skin cells, liver cells, brain cells, etc. Or, epigenetic change can have more damaging effects that can result in diseases like cancer.
Genetic influence are more biologcal while epigenetic is more environmental. Genetic influence might be a contributing factor for diseases but epigenetics are being revealed as cause of some disorders.
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