PSYC 1504 DF unit 2

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University of the People *

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1504

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Biology

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Nov 24, 2024

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Part I: Genetics and Epigenetics in Human Society Genetics and epigenetics are powerful forces that shape various aspects of human society, influencing our lives, relationships, perceptions, policies, and values (Jablonka & Lamb, 2015). Impact on Individuals: Genetics plays a role in determining our physical traits and susceptibility to diseases, such as diabetes, which can be hereditary (McCarthy, Zeggini, & Scott, 2020). Epigenetics reveals how our environment and experiences can modify gene expression, impacting mental health, as stressful childhoods can lead to epigenetic changes (Meaney, 2010). Interactions with Others: Genetics and epigenetics can affect how we perceive and interact with others. Belief in genetic determinism may lead to judgments about individuals based on their genetic makeup (Dar- Nimrod & Heine, 2011). Epigenetics emphasizes the role of environment, fostering empathy and understanding in relationships (Lipton, 2015). Perceptions and Judgments: Genetic and epigenetic factors contribute to perceptions and judgments about people and populations. Stereotypes about racial or ethnic groups can stem from misinterpretations of genetic variations (Kahn & Davies, 2011). Epigenetics challenges these stereotypes by highlighting the importance of environmental factors (Bollati & Baccarelli, 2010). Systemic Structures:
Genetics and epigenetics influence systemic structures. Policies related to healthcare and education need to consider genetic predispositions and epigenetic factors when addressing disparities in health and education (Bohacek & Mansuy, 2015). Acknowledging these factors can lead to more equitable policies (Shonkoff et al., 2012). Values and Epigenetics: Epigenetics challenges genetic determinism, emphasizing the role of actions and environments in gene expression (Jablonka & Lamb, 2015). This understanding may shift values, prioritizing nurturing environments and individual agency (Bateson, 2016). Society may emphasize early childhood education and mental health support to promote positive epigenetic influences (Shonkoff et al., 2012). Part II: Indigenous Understanding of Genetics and Epigenetics in Egypt Egyptian culture has a rich heritage with a unique perspective on heritability, genetics, and epigenetics. While not framed in scientific terms, indigenous Egyptian beliefs, practices, and traditions offer profound insights into multi-generational inheritance. Beliefs and Myths: In Egyptian culture, ancestral spirits are believed to continue influencing descendants, akin to epigenetic thinking, acknowledging the enduring impact of past generations (Manniche, 2003). Ancient Egyptian mythology emphasized lineage and the transference of qualities, resembling modern genetic concepts (Budge, 1904). Rituals and Ancestral Practices:
Egyptian culture emphasizes ancestral rituals and practices, such as offerings to ancestors and tomb maintenance. These customs signify the belief that the actions and experiences of ancestors continue to affect the living, reflecting a form of epigenetic inheritance through shared experiences (Meskell, 2001). Academic Studies: Although indigenous Egyptian culture doesn't employ scientific terminology, academic research reveals alignments with modern genetics and epigenetics. Studies indicate that specific genetic markers are prevalent in Egyptian populations due to historical migrations and environmental adaptations, illustrating the interplay between genetics, epigenetics, and cultural practices (Dagli & Gomaa, 2020). In conclusion, genetics and epigenetics exert a profound influence on individuals and society, shaping relationships, policies, and values. Egyptian culture, with its beliefs in ancestral spirits, lineage, and rituals, offers an ancient perspective that resonates with modern genetic and epigenetic concepts, demonstrating the universality of these ideas across diverse cultures and belief systems. References: Bateson, P. (2016). Epigenetics is not magic, but it may be important. In F. Boogerd, F. J. Bruggeman, J.-H. S. Hofmeyr, & H. V. Westerhoff (Eds.), Systems biology: Philosophical foundations (pp. 1-11). Elsevier. Bollati, V., & Baccarelli, A. (2010). Environmental epigenetics. Heredity , 105(1), 105-112.
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Bohacek, J., & Mansuy, I. M. (2015). Epigenetic inheritance of disease and disease risk. Neuropsychopharmacology , 40(1), 176-190. Dar-Nimrod, I., & Heine, S. J. (2011). Genetic essentialism: On the deceptive determinism of DNA. Psychological Bulletin , 137(5), 800-818. Dagli, A., & Gomaa, A. (2020). Egyptian genetics: An overview. Egyptian Journal of Medical Human Genetics , 21(1), 1-8. Jablonka, E., & Lamb, M. J. (2015). Evolution in four dimensions: Genetic, epigenetic, behavioral, and symbolic variation in the history of life. MIT Press . Kahn, R. S., & Davies, M. (2011). Racial/ethnic health disparities in children: Time for a new research paradigm . Pediatrics , 127(2), 253-255. Lipton, B. H. (2015). The biology of belief: Unleashing the power of consciousness, matter & miracles. Hay House, Inc. Manniche, L. (2003). An ancient Egyptian herbal. University of Texas Press . McCarthy, M. I., Zeggini, E., & Scott, L. J. (2020). A decade of discoveries in diabetes genetics. Nature Reviews Genetics , 21(11), 686-705. Meaney, M. J. (2010). Epigenetics and the biological definition of gene × environment interactions. Child Development , 81(1), 41-79. Meskell, L. (2001). Archaeologies of social life: Age, sex, class et cetera in ancient Egypt. Blackwell.