The Epigenetics Revolution audiobook cover - How Modern Biology is Rewriting Our Understanding of Genetics, Disease, and Inheritance

The Epigenetics Revolution

How Modern Biology is Rewriting Our Understanding of Genetics, Disease, and Inheritance

Nessa Carey

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The Epigenetics Revolution
Standard Genetics vs. Epigenetics+
Developmental Programming+
Transgenerational Inheritance+
Neuro-epigenetics and Trauma+

Quiz — Test Your Understanding

Question 1 of 6
How does the book suggest we should conceptualize the relationship between DNA and epigenetics?
  • A. DNA is a strict factory mold, and epigenetics is the raw material poured into it.
  • B. DNA is a theatrical script, and epigenetics represents the unique notes and instructions that alter the performance.
  • C. DNA is a computer's hardware, and epigenetics is the physical environment surrounding it.
  • D. DNA is a temporary blueprint, while epigenetics permanently rewrites the underlying genetic code.
Question 2 of 6
According to the text, what is the primary effect of DNA methylation on gene expression?
  • A. It usually results in genes being switched off.
  • B. It acts like a dimmer switch, gradually strengthening a gene's expression.
  • C. It permanently deletes specific genes from the DNA sequence.
  • D. It forces skin cells to transform into neurons or liver cells.
Question 3 of 6
What surprising discovery did scientists make about babies who experienced the Dutch Hunger Winter early in their gestation?
  • A. They were born unusually small but experienced lower rates of obesity in adulthood.
  • B. They were born at a normal weight but had an increased risk of obesity in adulthood.
  • C. They suffered from severe cardiovascular disease but had unusually fast metabolic rates.
  • D. They were born significantly larger than average to compensate for the mother's lack of nutrients.
Question 4 of 6
Why does the book mention the nineteenth-century French biologist Jean-Baptiste Lamarck?
  • A. He was the first scientist to successfully theorize the mapping of the human genome.
  • B. His theory of random genetic mutation was proven correct by modern epigenetic studies.
  • C. His discredited theory that acquired traits can be passed to offspring actually mirrors how epigenetic inheritance sometimes works.
  • D. He discovered the chemical process of DNA methylation while studying giraffes and blacksmiths.
Question 5 of 6
Why do scientists find transgenerational inheritance from fathers to children particularly strong evidence for epigenetics?
  • A. Fathers provide the majority of the zygote's cytoplasm, ruling out standard genetic inheritance.
  • B. Fathers do not carry the fetus or contribute much cytoplasm, meaning the inheritance is likely epigenetic rather than a result of the womb environment.
  • C. Fathers are more susceptible to dietary changes than mothers, making their genetic mutations easier to track.
  • D. Fathers pass down highly methylated DNA that immediately alters the offspring's underlying genotype.
Question 6 of 6
In the studies of lab rats, how did early life neglect affect the rats' epigenetic makeup and behavior?
  • A. It increased the expression of their cortisol receptors, making them unusually calm and unresponsive to danger.
  • B. It caused their DNA to mutate, permanently altering the genetic sequence of their hippocampus.
  • C. It led to greater methylation of the relevant DNA, repressing the cortisol receptor and causing chronic stress.
  • D. It completely shut down their cortisol production, making them unable to process mild stresses.

The Epigenetics Revolution — Full Chapter Overview

The Epigenetics Revolution Summary & Overview

The Epigenetics Revolution (2011) is an overview of the cutting-edge field of epigenetics – looking at the various factors that interact with your genes and modify the way they behave in order to make you, you. From mental health to obesity, it examines the fascinating and often unexpected ways that epigenetics can influence our lives and health.

Who Should Listen to The Epigenetics Revolution?

  • Science enthusiasts interested in biology’s new frontiers
  • Dinner-party sages looking to wow friends with fascinating scientific wisdom
  • Amateur psychologists open to an epigenetic interpretation of trauma

About the Author: Nessa Carey

Nessa Carey has a PhD in virology from the University of Edinburgh and was formerly a senior lecturer in molecular biology at Imperial College, London. She now runs Carey International Impact Training and is the author of two other books, Junk DNA and Hacking the Code of Life.

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