Biology project on gene

1. “Orphan Experiences Lead to
Changes in Children’s Genome
Function”
Yale School of Medicine
Chavi & Elana
Biology 3
Santa Monica College

2. Gene Expression
The process of taking information contained in
genes on the DNA and turning the information into
proteins through transcription and translation. This
process is used by all known living things.

3. Transcription & Translation
DNA remains in the nucleus until it is expressed
through the process of transcription and translation.

4. Nature vs. Nurture
(It’s actually secretly genetics vs. epigenetics)
GAME: LICK YOUR PUP!

5. Study
Professors at Yale mapped the genomes of 28 children.
Control Group: Experimental group:
14 children raised by their 14 orphans raised in an
biological families institution

6. Study
Purpose:
To identify which biological processes are effected by
lack of parental care.
Results:
Differences in DNA methylation which effects how
genes are expressed including a number of important
mechanisms in the development and function of the
brain.

7. Conclusion
Separation from a
biological parent
impacts long-term
programming of
genome function.

8. Relevance
• Working with children/people
• Understanding your own psychological
baggage
• Recognizing how intertwined environment
and biology are
• Hug your kids
• More fodder for the nature vs. nurture debate

9. Critique
The good The bad
• Controlled for • Small sample size
age and • Correlation not causation
environment. • Difference might be due to
being raised in an institution.
An orphan in an adoptive home
might not experience the same
effects.

10. Bibliography
• News article: http://news.yale.edu/2011/12/05/orphan-
experiences-lead-changes-children-s-genome-functioning
• Journal article:
http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPa
ge=online&aid=8443830&fulltextType=RA&fileId=S09545794
11000605
• Epigenetics: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epigenetics
• DNA Methylation:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DNA_methylation
• Rat pups, licking game:
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/epigenetics/rats/

11. We know your time is limited. There’s so
much more to learn so just incase you’re
interested in epeginetics Chavi’s twitter is
@chavarisa. Please do not repress your
scientific imagination. she’s available at
all hours to answer questions. All
questions. (of course as they relate to
epigenetics and methylazation.