Video Response to Epigenetics

Identical twins have the same DNA and the same genes. They have many similarities such as resemblances in facial and body expression, their laugh, and much more. Despite these similarities, as these twins get older the differences that develop between their appearances can be remarkable. It is also very possible for one twin to get a deadly disease, such as cancer, while the other does not. The first question that may run through your mind is how? The answer is the epigenome. In contrast to the genome, which is the set of your entire DNA, the epigenome is what tells your genome what to do and when. In other words, if the genome is thought of as the hardware of the computer, with its physical parts being genes, the epigenome can be thought as the software of the computer, influencing how and when these physicals parts should be used. The epigenome also dictates the cell's behavior and function.
The epigenome marks the genome, determining whether or not a gene is expressed and if so, to what level. It does this in two ways, DNA methylation, and histone modification. DNA methylation is where a methyl group, a tag of carbon and hydrogen, connects to a part of DNA (to the gene) and decides for it to be expressed or not. Histone modification is where a chemical tag secures a histone, or a protein, and tightens or loosens the gene's coil around it to determine how greatly the gene is expressed.
But what does the epigenome have to do with identical twins? A study done by Dr. Randy Jirtle (Duke University) gives a partial explanation. His study was based off of genetically identical mice. Although these mice were identical, some were fat and yellow while others were brown and skinny. This difference of weight and color was caused by ch...

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...o be more responsible about their actions, as their actions can make or break their children's (and grandchildren's) futures. It may be the prospective cure and a way to prevent cancer and a lot of other illnesses. With more knowledge and research about the epigenome, lives can be transformed. So even if that one twin does get diagnosed with cancer while the other doesn't, there will be a cure for him or her, so the two siblings can continue living their lives together.

Works Cited

"Epigenetics." PBS. PBS, 09 Jan. 0000. Web. 03 Apr. 2014.
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Epigenetics. Perf. Hank Green. YouTube. YouTube, 22 Jan. 2012. Web. 04 Apr. 2014.
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"Epigenomics Fact Sheet." National Human Genome Research Institute. N.p., 7 May 2012. Web. 04 Apr. 2014. .