Date of Award

2018

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Natural Sciences

First Advisor

Beulig, Alfred

Area of Concentration

Biology

Abstract

The world of genetics is always changing. Today, current techniques in genetics allow for screening of genetic disorders, mapping of gene functions, and gene editing. Genetics explains heredity and variations of inherited characteristics. A species is said to have evolved if there is a change in the genetic composition that has been inherited through multiple generations. This does not however, explain if genes can be altered and passed on through a single inheritance. Epigenetics is an emerging field of study that describes how genes can be turned “off” and “on” by external factors in a single organism and do not ultimately change the DNA code. Epigenetic mechanisms and changes have been found in specific areas, and can be initiated and reversed by environmental changes. Certain acquired characteristics, like memory and behavior, associated with gene activation can be inherited through one or more generations. The activation and inactivation of these genes can determine if an inherited genetic disorder will develop, or not. If techniques can be discovered for reversing the effects of epigenetics, genetic disorders can be prevented.

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