Life experiences passed on the offspring
Life experiences passed on the offspring?
Life experiences are well-knitted in our DNA. This area of science is epigenetic and reviewing previously learned behavior we can see then it repeats in the next generation, even when it’s not signed in the DNA sequence. Influencing molecules from the outside environment can silence or increase the expression of genes. For example, we know for certain that the father transfers his genetic material via carrier, sperm to be joined with the mother’s genetic material. Now we learn how molecules capable of triggering genetic expression associated with the father's material are also transferred via sperm.
"The big breakthrough with this study is that it has identified a non-DNA-based means by which sperm remember a father's environment (diet) and transmit that information to the embryo," said McGill University epigeneticist Sarah Kimmins. (1)
Small molecules responsible for packaging and stabilizing our DNA, called histones, are influenced by molecules from the environment. This chemical modification, methylation, allows further reading of genetic code and its transcription to proteins, specific traits, and look for example.
Simply said, a diet poor in folate is beneficial for the baby's development from both sides-mothers and fathers. With such defect, the baby develops more genetic disorders and some specific abnormalities such as spinal.
After all, could it be that both life experiences, mother’s and father’s, are transferred to their baby? The older we are, we have more experience and our overall genetics will together with this information, be transferred to our baby. Later, this experience can be triggered and activated by the outer environment and our behavior combined. As a result, some genes will be expressed and others silenced.
When poorly packed, in case of folate lack, DNA strands will be less stable and more under the influence of disorders. If parents are older, their life experience is richer but their genetic code is more damaged. Between these two, every born baby is unique and will activate genes depending on their later life activity.
1. (https://www.mcgill.ca/newsroom/channels/news/how-sperm-remember-329649?utm_source=hootsuite&utm_medium=twitter&utm_term=mcgillu&utm_content=&utm_campaign=)
