Epigenetics

Question 1

what is epigenetics?

Answer 1

the study of how cells control gene activity without changing the DNA sequence. Epigenetic changes are modifications to DNA that regulate whether genes are turned on or off. “

Question 2

what is the epigenome?

Answer 2

Within the complete set of DNA in a cell (genome), all of the modifications that regulate the activity (expression) of the genes is known as the epigenome

Question 3

what can impact the epigenome?

Answer 3

“Environmental influences, such as a person’s diet, environment and exposure to pollutants, can impact the epigenome. Epigenetic modifications can be maintained from cell to cell as cells divide and, in some cases, can be inherited through the generations.”

Question 4

what are the factors in our environment can change our epigenome?

Answer 4

• Medication
  
  • Pollution
  • Exercise
  • Smoking
  • Infection
  • Alcohol
  • Diet/nutrition
  • Toxins
    
    • Family history

Question 5

what is imprinting?

Answer 5

“Although uncommon, some epigenetic markers can be passed on from parent to offspring through a process called imprinting. Imprinting can lead to the silencing of either the maternal or paternal copy of a gene, which can lead to complications if the other copy of the gene is either missing or not functioning correctly.

Question 6

how is the epigenome related to pregnancy?

Answer 6

Epigenomics is also a factor during pregnancy. The epigenome of a developing baby can be influenced by the expectant parent’s lifestyle while still in the womb, although exactly how this happens is still being researched.”

Question 7

How can the epigenetic effect modulate breastmilk?

Answer 7

The epigenetic effect has been quoted to modulate the individual adaptation to the environment and to influence the lifelong health by modifying inflammatory molecular pathways and the immune response.

Question 8

What is DNA methylation?

Answer 8

DNA methylation alters expression of a gene during cell differentiation and causes a change that is heritable.

Question 9

When is epigenetic DNA imprinting activity considered to be the most active for an infant?

Answer 9

The first two years of life is the time period when epigenetic DNA imprinting activity is considered to be the most active.

Question 10

Early nutrition epigenetic effect has been reported to potentially influence the likelihood of developing what conditions?

Answer 10

Possibly influence the individual’s susceptibility to the later development of cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, and other chronic conditions.

Question 11

What can oligosaccharides prevent later in life?

Answer 11

Play a leading role in programming the infant’s immune phenotype and as a result preventing diseases in early and later life.

Question 12

What have studies shown about docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and why is it important for infants ?

Answer 12

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is associated with better cognitive development of infants and children. DHA is an important component of the retinal photoreceptors and of the brain cell membranes. It is a significant factor for the visual and cognitive development of the infants.

Question 13

Why are ‘fats’ an important component of breastmilk?

Answer 13

Fat has been proven to be a critical component of breast milk by providing energy and important nutrients that are fundamental to the development of the infants’ central nervous system.

Question 14

What did the meta-analysis study report about DHA?

Answer 14

The highest DHA concentrations were primarily in coastal populations and were associated with high marine food consumption.

Question 15

What did the study show about mothers consuming a Mediterranean Diet?

Answer 15

Greek women while in pregnancy or lactation choose a diet with more natural and organic products, such as wild greens and herbs, open sea fish, and free-range chickens, all of which contribute to an increased fatty acid intake.

Question 16

What does Vitamin A correlate with?

Answer 16

The breast milk’s content in vitamin E positively correlates with the maternal dietary fat intake.

Question 17

What should midwives promote about diet in pregnancy?

Answer 17

It should be highlighted there is no need for restrictive diets; an increase of maternal energy intake of approximately 500 kcal per day is enough to cover the extra energy expenditure of lactation. A healthy diet should be promoted that will ensure the mother intakes vitamins, minerals and fibre.

Question 18

What does the literature suggest about the conversations midwives should have with women during pregnancy around diet?

Answer 18

The literature shows that conversations during pregnancy on issues of life style and maternal diet is effective in promoting healthier habitual behaviours.

Question 19

what is the summary of epigenetics?

Answer 19

Nearly all our cells have an identical copy of our genome, but they can look and behave very differently. This is because of how the genome is regulated in these cells.

Epigenetics controls how the genome is regulated without changing the DNA code. It can turn specific genes on and off and even control the structure of the genome.

There are many types of epigenetics modifications and most of them transient and reversible, allowing to adapt to our environment.

The epigenome can also have a considerable impact on health and is linked to disease such as cancer and rare conditions such as Prader Wills syndrome.

Question 20

What is epigenetics the study of?

Answer 20

Study of how DNA interacts with a multitude of some molecules found within cells which can active and deactivate genes.

Question 21

how are genes in DNA expressed and what is the impact of epigenetic changes?

Answer 21

Genes in DNA is expressed when read and transcribed into RNA which is translated into proteins by structures call ribosomes. Proteins determines cells characteristics and function. Epigenetic changes can boost or interfere with the transcription of specific genes.

Question 22

what is the epigenome?

Answer 22

The proteins wrapped around DNA gets attached with chemical tags. The set of all the chemical tags attached to the genome of a given cell is called the epigenome.

Question 23

can epigenetic changes survive cell division?

Answer 23

Epigenetic changes can survive cell division meaning it can affect the organisms full life.

Question 24

what is the significance of the ‘chemical tags’ epigenome?

Answer 24

The chemical tags that turn genes on or off can be influenced by diet, environment and medication. Social interaction can also affect these tags. Epigenetic links the genome and the environment. Your parents’ choice or experiences can impact child’s epigenome.