DNA is a molecule inside of every cell in the body that contains the genetic instructions used in developing an organism. DNA contains thousands of genes that are inherited from both parents. These genes all encode for different traits and characteristics that make the person who they are. Certain genes are turned off at certain times, while other genes are turned on. What causes these genes to be on or off? Scientists have discovered that as humans grow and develop, many factors can have an influence on their genome. The study of these …show more content…
They worked with identical twins, siblings developed from a single egg. This means they have the exact same genome, which makes them the perfect example for understanding how environment influences certain diseases and characteristics. As identical twins get older, they become increasingly different. Why does this happen? During the first years of life, the twins’ epigenome remains the same because they are in the same environment and exposed to the same things. But as they get older, their environments begin to vary. While their genome stays the same, outside influences affect their epigenomes, switching genes on and off. Environmental factors such as food intake, exercise habits, exposure to chemicals, and stress can alter the genes that are expressed. When the twins are well into adulthood, their epigenomes are completely unique, making them very distinct from one another (University of Utah, 2014). This information is beneficial because it proves that the environment does, in fact, influence gene expression. Identical twins born with the exact same genetic information can become two completely different individuals, resulting from what they experience throughout