Re: Epigenome and Lamarckian Evolution

*Hemidactylus* wrote:

>
> John Harshman wrote:
>
>>MagentaStudios wrote:
>>
>>
>>>I am not a scientist, so be patient with me:
>>>
>>>I just read an article about the human epigenome, and that it changes
>>>our DNA based on our life experiences. Is it possible that this new
>>>research could show that Lamarckian evolution is at least partially
>>>true?
>>
>>If indeed the article is correct, that would be Lamarckian evolution,
>>depending on what "based on our life experience" means. If this
>>epigenome changes DNA so as to produce a specific adaptive response,
>>that is one appropriate to the situation rather than a random one, then
>>that's Lamarckian.
>>
>
> "Changes our DNA" as said above by MagentaStudios, is too vague. If the
> change is a methylation pattern of DNA in a somatic cell and no
> parallel change exists in a germ line cell that could be passed to
> offspring then this is not going to be akin to what people think of
> when the term Lamarckian is used. There must be a way for epigenetic
> (epigenomic?) change to impact the germline to qualify. Otherwise it's
> just another developmental change that stays in the individual affected
> and goes no further.

Even methylation that affects the germ line isn't precisely a change in
DNA, and doesn't last past one generation anyway. Methylation patterns
are not inherited, except semi-conservatively, and if nothing else comes
along to change the pattern.

Further, they don't seem to be caused by environmental influences but by
other gene products, as far as I know.

Is this really what he's talking about?

>>But what article is this, and what does it actually say?
>
>

.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Epigenome and Lamarckian Evolution
    ... >> I just read an article about the human epigenome, ... >> our DNA based on our life experiences. ... > If indeed the article is correct, that would be Lamarckian evolution, ... "Changes our DNA" as said above by MagentaStudios, ...
    (talk.origins)
  • Article: Whew! Your DNA Isnt Your Destiny
    ... The more we learn about the human genome, the less DNA looks like destiny. ... By mapping the epigenome and linking it with genomic and health information, ... genomic world," said Moshe Szyf, an epigeneticist at Canada's McGill ...
    (sci.bio.evolution)
  • Re: Epigenome and Lamarckian Evolution
    ... >>>If indeed the article is correct, that would be Lamarckian evolution, ... >>>epigenome changes DNA so as to produce a specific adaptive response, ... Wilkins had mentioned EIS's and methylation patterns ...
    (talk.origins)
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