Epigenetics - a Word You Must Learn

Modern genetics was discovered by Mendel in the 1800s. The discovery that traits were inherited through genes put to rest the Lamarckian idea (also held by Darwin) that creatures inherit acquired characteristics. 

Prior to Mendel, scientists thought that if you got real smart, or grew big biceps, those traits would be passed on to your children. But when the physical genetic basis of inheritance was discovered, including even finding the presence of genes on a molecule, DNA (1950s), the idea that we could affect in our lifetimes the genetic outcome of our children was set aside. 

It has now long been held that changes to somatic cells (those of the body, say a muscle cell), did nothing to influence the sex cells giving rise to offspring. The only way to affect offspring was by changing the genetics (mutations) of the sex cells, the eggs and sperm that are passed on to children. 

Well, now that we think that is all settled, along comes epigenetics. In effect, scientists have now found that environmental factors such as food can directly affect the expression of genes. Further, reminiscent of Lamarckism, these changes can be passed on to subsequent generations. 

The DNA is not changed, but the way it is expressed is. 

Studies have shown that cats fed raw natural foods had robust and healthy offspring down through generations. On the other hand, those fed cooked and compromised diets had deformed and weakened offspring. Epigenetics now explains why this occurred. 

So, what we eat and what we feed our pets not only affects us, but can directly affect our progeny and theirs. 

It's a perfect example of the consequences of not thinking today as if tomorrow matters. 

Choose health well. It is not for you alone that it matters.