This is why we are discussing epigenetics in connection with ACEs. The Intergenerational Transmission of Trauma In essence, the environment we experience, especially when we are young, can affect which of our genes are active (or expressed), and which remain dormant (or unexpressed). Differing genetic expressions can occur without causing any changes (or mutations) to the underlying genes themselves. So, environmental factors like security, bonding, and love can alter how our genes switch on and off, or simply operate. Research in the area of epigenetics has concluded that during early life, the environment we live in can affect the way our genes are expressed. Huh? That may sound like gobbledygook to most of us, but it simply means that while the field of genetics looks at the expression of the genetic code, epigenetics studies factors that influence the expression of the gene. Epigenetics is the study of cellular and physiological phenotypic trait variations that are caused by external or environmental factors that switch genes on and off and affect how cells read genes instead of being caused by changes in the DNA sequence. Let’s take the concept one step further into the realm of epigenetics. Decoding who we are and what kind of lives we will lead is a great mystery, one of the last great frontiers of human exploration and discovery. Genetics is an incredibly complex (and often misunderstood) field of science and breakthroughs are made every day. There is, however, a growing body of research that suggests a great deal of who we are is up to our genes. Most scientists accept that both nature and nurture are at play in all human development. How much of who we turn out to be is the result of genes and how much is the result of our environment is an age-old debate that has not yet been settled. The toxic stress associated with his ACEs has delayed his cognitive and behavioral development, disadvantaging him from birth. The child raised in the austere, uncertain climate may develop at a slower rate and have greater difficulties in school and life than the nurtured twin. While the nature of the identical twins might be genetically determined to be equal, the nurture component is clearly different. The other child grows up surrounded by love and kindness he is provided with close personal bonds, diverse opportunities, and encouragement. One child ends up in a chaotic, insecure environment where he suffers ACEs and trauma. But how much of who we are is due to our genetic code and how much is the result of how and where we were raised and by whom? This is often referred to as the nature versus nurture argument.Ĭonsider the example of genetically identical twins separated at birth and raised in different homes. They can be greatly influenced by our environment and experiences which, in turn, can affect our development, decision-making, social-emotional wellness, and behavior. Genetic processes don’t occur in a vacuum, however. Proteins help our bodies grow, work properly, and stay
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