Behavioral epigenetics
Behavioral Epigenetics
Behavioral epigenetics is the field of study examining the role of epigenetics in shaping animal (including human) behaviour. It is an experimental science that seeks to explain how nurturing behaviors can influence the epigenome and hence affect behavior.
Pronunciation
- IPA: /bɪˈheɪvjərəl ˌɛpɪˈdʒɛnɪtɪks/
Etymology
The term "behavioral epigenetics" is derived from the root words "behavior," which refers to the way in which one acts or conducts oneself, especially towards others, and "epigenetics," which is the study of changes in organisms caused by modification of gene expression rather than alteration of the genetic code itself.
Definition
Behavioral epigenetics is the study of how the behaviors and experiences, such as stress, diet, or social interaction, can modify genes and these changes can then be passed on to the next generation. It is a field of research that explores how the environment and individual lifestyle can interact with the genome to influence developmental and health outcomes.
Related Terms
- Epigenome: The complete description of all the chemical modifications to DNA and histone proteins in an organism.
- Genome: The complete set of genes or genetic material present in a cell or organism.
- Gene expression: The process by which the instructions in our DNA are converted into a functional product, such as a protein.
- Histone: Any of a group of basic proteins found in chromatin.
See Also
References
- [1] Jirtle, R. L., & Skinner, M. K. (2007). Environmental epigenomics and disease susceptibility. Nature Reviews Genetics, 8(4), 253-262.
- [2] Weaver, I. C., Cervoni, N., Champagne, F. A., D'Alessio, A. C., Sharma, S., Seckl, J. R., ... & Meaney, M. J. (2004). Epigenetic programming by maternal behavior. Nature neuroscience, 7(8), 847-854.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Behavioral epigenetics
- Wikipedia's article - Behavioral epigenetics
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