What Sorts of Things Impact Genetic Expression?

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Genetic expression is a prominent and on-going field of study within the scientific community. The more knowledge scientists acquire, the more they can help advance the health of humanity.

Many variables contribute to gene expression. Read on to learn more about three things that can impact genetic expression.

DNA Transcription

Transcription controls gene expression within DNA sequencing. Transcription is the first step in the process of gene expression in which a part of the DNA, called a transcription unit, is copied into RNA.

RNA is a nucleic acid which is an important part of cell function. It is responsible for regulating and synthesizing proteins. The translation is a term for translating the sequence of the RNA. This sequence is important because it carries information that affects the resulting proteins.

Simply put, the proper function of translation and its resulting process is a catalyst for gene expression. Transcription can also inhibit gene expression and has only recently become known to be a significant role in how genes express themselves.

Redox Signaling Molecules

Every cell in our body contains mitochondria, which produce Redox signaling molecules. These molecules are called Reaction Oxygen Species, also referred to as ROS.

There are two types of ROS molecules: reductants and oxidants. These molecules are responsible for maintaining cellular balance and preventing conditions like oxidative stress, which occurs when there are too many oxidants in the cells of the body.

According to ASEA, redox signaling molecules communicate cellular problems and signal that repairs are needed. When the damage is not repaired, illnesses can manifest, such as diabetes or Alzheimer’s.

Epigenetics

Epigenetics is a term used for genetic expression caused by external modifications to DNA that switch gene expressions on and off, as opposed to alterations to the DNA sequence.

Methylation and histone are two factors responsible for regulating this type of gene expression. Epigenetics shows that inheriting a gene is not the only way for a type of genetic expression to develop, although it may be more likely. Chemical exposure, neurological processes, and hormones can trigger this switch in genetic expression.

Research is being done to learn how we can reverse illness by deliberately switching genes on and off.

As you can see, genetic expression is a complicated topic. Scientific research has uncovered an abundance of information, but there is still a lot to learn. It will be exciting to see what the future holds for this field of study and how it will affect the future of humanity.
If you enjoyed this article, try What to Know About Diabetes. In 2020!

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