Author Question: Describe epigenetics and give an example. What will be an ideal ... (Read 64 times)

LCritchfi · **on:** Jun 21, 2018

Describe epigenetics and give an example.

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Explain how a person's beliefs can affect genetic influences on her behavior and give an example.

What will be an ideal response?

tdewitt · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 21, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Answer: Epigenetics is the idea that some environments can influence how much genetics will matter. So a person is born with a gene for major depression, but the gene may not be expressed (and therefore the person depressed) unless the environment triggers it. Thus a happy, healthy environment in childhood might stave off major depression while an abusive environment would trigger it.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: A person's beliefs can impact genetic influences on behavior by repressing the expression of a trait. For example, a girl who is predisposed to smoking is less likely to smoke when raised in a religious environment and more likely to start smoking in the absence of religion.