What is epigenetic theory in psychology?

What is epigenetic theory in psychology?

Reviewed by Psychology Today Staff. Epigenetics is the study of how the environment and other factors can change the way that genes are expressed. While epigenetic changes do not alter the sequence of a person’s genetic code, they can play an important role in development.

What is epigenetics and how does it blur the line between nature and nurture?

Epigenetics is the study of how the environment can impact the replication of genes that are passed from parents to their offspring. Central to the study of epigenetics is an understanding of what makes up an organism’s genetic blueprint, what alters the blueprint, and the impact of those changes.

What is the difference between nature and nurture in psychology?

Nature is what we think of as pre-wiring and is influenced by genetic inheritance and other biological factors. Nurture is generally taken as the influence of external factors after conception, e.g., the product of exposure, life experiences and learning on an individual.

What is an example of epigenetics in psychology?

Let’s consider a simple example. If I spend some time out in the sunlight, I will develop a tan. That is essentially an epigenetic process, involving changes in gene expression that increase the production of melanin in my skin, resulting in darkening of the skin tone.

How does epigenetics influence behavior?

These epigenetic changes can influence the growth of neurons in the developing brain as well as modify the activity of neurons in the adult brain. Together, these epigenetic changes in neuron structure and function can have a marked influence on an organism’s behavior.

What are some great examples of epigenetics?

Examples of epigenetics One example of an epigenetic change is DNA methylation — the addition of a methyl group, or a “chemical cap,” to part of the DNA molecule, which prevents certain genes from being expressed. Another example is histone modification. Histones are proteins that DNA wraps around.

Does epigenetics support nature or nurture?

It is primarily the field of epigenetics that has shed light on the interaction between nature (genes) and nurture (environment). Epigenetics is concerned with how environmental factors can influence gene expression, the process by which genes create proteins, RNAs, and other molecules.

What is nature vs. nurture examples?

Nature advocates argue that genetics have a high impact on obesity and high blood pressure. Nurture proponents point to the poor eating habits that cause obesity and the limited ability to regulate personal habits that lead to high blood pressure.

What is nurture in psychology?

1. n. the totality of environmental factors that influence the development and behavior of a person, particularly sociocultural and ecological factors such as family attributes, parental child-rearing practices, and economic status.

What are epigenetics for dummies?

Epigenetics is the study of how your behaviors and environment can cause changes that affect the way your genes work. Unlike genetic changes, epigenetic changes are reversible and do not change your DNA sequence, but they can change how your body reads a DNA sequence.

What factors influence epigenetics?

Several lifestyle factors have been identified that might modify epigenetic patterns, such as diet, obesity, physical activity, tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption, environmental pollutants, psychological stress, and working on night shifts.