Every cell—and there are around 200 different types in the body—needs to know which few genes are relevant for it and of those genes, whether mom's or dad's is going to be expressed. The genes alone are useless, unless there's a way to find what you need, when you need it.
Your body puts biological Post-It notes (called epigenetic tags) on certain genes to determine which genetic recipes get used. This tagging happens through a couple of chemical processes such as methylation and acetylation, but guess what? Actions you take during your pregnancy can influence these processes and determine where the Post-It notes go and which genes will be expressed, ultimately affecting the health of your child.
Every cell—and there are around 200 different types in the
body—needs to know which few genes are relevant for it and of those
genes, whether mom's or dad's is going to be expressed. The genes
alone are useless, unless there's a way to...
More
Dr. Mehmet Oz answered:The ability to turn genes on and off allows our bodies to react quickly to our environment. Learn more about this topic in this animation narrated by Dr. Oz.
The ability to turn genes on and off allows our bodies to react quickly to our environment. Learn more about this topic in this animation narrated by Dr. Oz. More
Dr. Michael Roizen answered:Every cell—and there are around 200 different types in the body—needs to know which few genes are relevant for it and of those genes, whether mom's or dad's is going to be expressed. The genes alone are useless, unless there's a way to find what you need, when you need it.
Find out more about this book: YOU: Having a Baby: The Owner's Manual to a Happy and Healthy Pregnancy
