“Ghost in Your Genes” Reflection
I thought the NOVA documentary, “Ghost in Your Genes” was very interesting. This documentary stressed genetic differences between siblings, especially identical twins, and a genome and the role methyl tags play in that. Growing up, you learn and see that identical twins are identical in both their genotype and phenotype. However, I was surprised to know that even though twins contain the same genes they are determined by switched in our DNA. This switches, which are part of the epigenome, help to determine one’s cellular identity.
I found the study between the mice extremely interesting. The scientists were able to prove that our genes not only affect our genetic makeup and our physical appearance but also our personality! This study also stressed the importance of nature vs. nurture and how both play an important role in one’s personality. I find this phenomenon incredibly important and can see how it is proven true in almost all organisms world wide.
I also found the Sweden study of transgenerational effects extremely pertinent and think this point needs to be brought to attention more often. People need to learn to not be selfish with the poor choices of taking care of their body, such as smoking or binge drinking for their poor decisions can affect their future generations. Every person needs to be responsible for their own genome and take care of it. This responsibility needs to be taught to children and even adults. Our genome. Our responsibility.
Click here for a synopsis of the documentary!
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2 thoughts on “ “ghost in your genes” reflection ”.
I really like your reflection! You chose the most important topics and reflected accordingly, so it showed that you clearly understood the material of the documentary! You’re right… we should all be more aware of our bodies and how we are responsible for taking care of our own genomes. Also, watch out for spelling errors 🙂
OOOOH love the background picture on the side of your blog! If you can maybe next time try to remove the type from the image or fix the pixelated type. Can’t believe you’re graduating already! Nature vs nurture is a super interesting ‘argument’ among scientists, I hope you want to dive more into it in the future. It always pulls my interest when mentioned in a headline or something, and since we know so little about our genes, I’m sure the discussion will continue.
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ap biology with gina
Ap biology – blocks 2 & 6, “ghost in your genes” reflection.
Ghost in Your Genes is a NOVA film about epigenetics, or the study of changes in an organism as a result of changes in gene expression rather than differences in the genetic code itself. The film reviews cases that have puzzled scientists up until recent discoveries including identical twins, both of which have the same genes, yet one of them develops a serious disorder such as autism or cancer. Researchers explored the possibility that something else was causing these changes other than the genes, and thus the epigenome was discovered.
The movie presents one example that really caught my eye. Researchers did a study that compared the anxiety levels and stress-coping skills of mice who had had nurturing mothers to those who’s mother was more distant. To ensure that there was not a genetic difference, the biological offspring were switched, and even then the mice cared for by the nurturing mother were better than those who’s mother were neglectful. The scientist in the film than compared this to the statistical disadvantages facing people who were raised in homes/environments with abuse or drug violence.
I was very excited to watch the film in class, especially since we’ve seen other NOVA films in class ( Cracking the Code of Life ). The film excited me to learn more about how epigenetics is advancing research and treatments today. I highly recommend looking into recent advancements made with the help of epigenetics to get yourself excited about the future in genetics and biotechnology!
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2 thoughts on “ “ghost in your genes” reflection ”.
It is so cool to see how much you are enjoying your Honors Biology course!
Hi Gina! I too loved the study on the mice. I felt like that research could somewhat be applied to humans too which was super interesting because it’s always fascinating to me to see how “nurture,” or the environment around us, affects us — it’s not just our genes! This is an awesome reflection with the perfect amount of review/summary of the movie and your own personal thoughts. Also, great use of media with the link and the picture!
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NOVA | Ghost in Your Genes | PBS Epigenetic Therapy Dr. Jean-Pierre Issa examines the connection between epigenetics, aging, and cancer. Ask the Expert Geneticist Randy Jirtle answers questions...
Find the complete program transcript, including credits for the NOVA program Ghost in Your Genes, originally broadcast on PBS on October 16, 2007.
NOVA | Ghost in Your Genes | TV Program Description | PBS Find a description of the NOVA program Ghost in Your Genes, originally broadcast on PBS on June 19, 2007.
“Ghost in Your Genes” Reflection helenhardy February 9, 2017 ←→ I thought the NOVA documentary, “Ghost in Your Genes” was very interesting. This documentary stressed genetic differences between siblings, especially identical twins, and a genome and the role methyl tags play in that.
Ghost in Your Genes is a NOVA film about epigenetics, or the study of changes in an organism as a result of changes in gene expression rather than differences in the genetic code itself. The film reviews cases that have puzzled scientists up until recent discoveries including identical twins, both of which have the same genes, yet one of….