Epigenetics refers to factors above genetics that determine which genes are expressed. The epigenome controls which genes are expressed more than others through mechanisms like methyl groups binding to DNA and histone proteins winding DNA more or less tightly. Epigenetic changes can occur throughout life in response to environmental factors like diet, stress, and lifestyle, and some changes can be passed down from parents to children. While scientists originally thought epigenetic tags were removed before reproduction, it is now understood that some tags can be inherited intergenerationally.

1. Epigenetics
Abby Docherty

2. Epigenetics
 Literally means “above genetics”
 Epigenome decides which genes are
expressed more than others. (Some are
never even expressed)
 DNA doesn’t change

3. Epigenetics
 Genome v. Epigenome
 Genome does the work.
 Epigenome bosses the genome around by
giving it instructions.

4. Epigenetics
 Epigenetics looks at what happens to
one’s genes over their lifetime.
 The question is this: “Can those
changes made by one’s decisions in life
affect one’s kids or grandkids?”

5. How does it work?
 Methyl groups bind to genes and tell
them whether or not to express the
traits. (made up of carbon and
hydrogen)
 Methyl groups bind differently to
different types of cells. (this tells them
what type of cell they are)
 Histones (windy things are DNA)
 Tightly wound, gene is expressed more!
 Loosly wound, gene is expressed less.

6. So is this permanent?
 No, how tightly the histone is wound or
what the methyl group says can be
changed throughout life or can be
hereditary.
 These changes happen during times of
change. (Pregnancy, Puberty, Becoming
elderly)

7. Why didn’t we know about
epigenetics for so long?
Well, epigenetics was discovered in the
70’s!
…but scientists were dumb and thought
that the epigenetic tags put on our DNA
(smoking, alcoholism, obesity) were
removed before we had babies.

8. Well it does kind of seem like
these tags/traits would be
removed…
 Some of them are! Some of these
genetic tags (dancer, bookworm,
exercise maniac) are removed because
there are new ones created for the
baby. (hopscotch freak, socially inept,
renowned artist)

9. Here’s an example
Mom’s Tags
Bookworm Exercise Dancer Fashion Guru
Maniac
Mathematician Smoker Diabetic Dislikes
chocolate
Daughter’s Tags
Bookworm Hopscotch Dancer Enjoys
freak excercising
Mathematician Frugal Diabetic Dislikes
chocolate

10. Scientists! Help!
 Help is on the way!
Scientists are already creating drugs to help
silence the bad genetic tags being passed down to
us! (Sigh of relief)
ALSOOO, we can try and change our own genetic
tags too. (Like if obesity runs in your family and
you exercise like there is no tomorrow…which may
be true if your family has a history with heart
attacks or brain anurisms…because our epigenetic
tags can be/ are affecting our health)