Imprinting is a process that happens beyond genetics, and is therefore called epigenetic. An epigenetic event can change the expression of a cell’s gene without changing the basic genetic code. During imprinting, one or more molecules are added to the gene, acting as a stop code. These molecules tag the DNA and prevent it from being transcribed into proteins, therefore blocking the expression of that gene.
It isn’t just about stopping genes being expressed. It can also cause otherwise inactive genes to be expressed.
But also, some imprinting behaviour comes from brain development and is not directly related to epigenetics.
By studying imprinted genes, researchers have uncovered clues about how our parents’ genes influence our brains. Certain regions are controlled almost entirely by the mother’s genes and other areas by the father’s.
Huh, interesting that there’s divisions by brain region.
DNA’s just such a marvelous “machine.” It can build more of itself because it contains its own blueprint, which is just absolutely fucking wild to think about. Which reminds me that I still have maybe a fourth of Gödel, Escher, Bach left 😅
I am so glad I powered though GEB when I was young. It changed the way I see reality, and I’ve based my worldview on that foundation ever since.
It really is an excellent book, just not exactly easy material so I haven’t had the energy for it recently. I’ll get back to it yet! Definitely one of my all time favorites though
Here’s some motivation: there’s a surprise at the end. You’ll find yourself starting the book all over again.
Dad wins the gene game.
Woooo!
