One of the recurring points of contention in the field of biology is the mode of hereditary acquisition of characteristics of an individual. Some maintain that it is primarily due to genetics, while others assert that the environment plays a major role in developing a person’s characteristics. This debate is also known in some circles as the ‘nature vs nurture’ debate, and given the scientific merits of each side, it can be said that each point of view can be considered probable in determining the quality of an individual. As it turns out, recent research suggests that both, in one way or another, influence the traits passed down from one generation to another via the science of epigenetics (Hurley, 2013).
In genetics, the main component of the cells that is responsible for inheritance of characteristics is the DNA. Inside the cell, there are many processes that occur which relate to the copying of the DNA of the individual, which is collectively called the central dogma of molecular biology. First, the DNA is made into multiple copies via the process of replication. Afterwards, the information in the DNA is passed on through the cells through messenger RNA, also known as mRNA through the process of transcription. Once the mRNA has the information about the amino acid sequence present in the DNA, it is then converted into protein by the ribosomes in the cell. This process is called DNA translation, and it marks the final step in the central dogma of molecular biology (Pukkila, 2001; Clancy & Brown, 2008).
It is commonly thought of that the process described above only occurs during the development of the individual. The genetic information of both parents are copied into the DNA of the offspring, which will be manifested later on. In other words, there is evidence to suggest that mode of inheritance is primarily restricted on the ‘nature’ level—it can be attributed to biological methods alone. How an individual reacts to the environment around him is determined by how his character is developed by his genes. Also, the DNA can be damaged sometimes; the methyl groups play a hand in the repair of the genetic material as well (Posnick& Samson, 2001)
However, recent studies suggest that the environment has also has a hand in controlling the genetic information of the individual as well—a testament to the ‘nurture’ side of the debate. Contrary to previous studies, DNA development of an individual has been found to occur in adult stages as well. The methyl groups, which are responsible for attaching certain proteins in the DNA of an individual, can add genetic information about the life experiences of a person and how he reacts to them. This phenomenon is explained to be the result of changes in the person’s diet, or by exposure to certain chemicals that induce this process (Hurley).
The implications for such discovery are astounding. For one, it can be deduced that modification made on the DNA during a person’s lifetime can be passed on to the offspring, thereby improving the genetic sequence. Also, it suggests that experiences that the ancestors had been through during their lifetimes can be manifested in the individual later on, explaining illnesses, characteristics, and traits that are seemingly common in every generation.
There is much to be said about the ‘nature vs nurture’ debate in the field of science. As it turns out, the two sides have a lot more in common as expected—both work together in shaping what an individual will turn out.
References
Clancy, S. & Brown, W. (2008). Translation: DNA to mRNA to protein. Nature Education.
Hurley, D. (2013, May). Trait vs Fate. Discover, 48 – 55.
Posnick, L. M., & Samson, L. D. (2001). DNA repair. Encyclopedia of Life Sciences.
Pukkila, P. J. (2001). Molecular biology: The central dogma. Encyclopedia of Life Sciences.
