Genetic Structure: Does Age Affect It?

[bioquest]

Does your genetic structure change as you get older? I guess it's just the levels of NFKappa and things iike that that change?

 

[yangxu]

Please elaborate on genetic structure, are you talking about karyotypes, DNA structures, etc?

 

[chroot]

Ideally, your genome does not change at all, from the fertilization of an egg until the day you die. Your epigenome, however -- the collection of methyl groups and so on strapped onto your DNA that promote or inhibit certain genes -- can and does change throughout life.

- Warren

 

[Monique]

Cells can acquire changes in their genetic structure, either through epigenetic programming (what Chroot mentioned) or through damage/errors. Processes like these can lead to cancer.