Genes continue to spin out 13 months after birth in direct relation to experience. Therefore, a great number of psychobiological disorders can be prevented through quality attuned care giving. The following is an excerpt from the Center for the Developing child at Harvard.
Experiences Affect How Genes Are Expressed
Inside the nucleus of each cell in our bodies, we have chromosomes, which contain the code for characteristics that pass to the next generation. Within these chromosomes, specific segments of genetic code, known as genes, make up long, double-helix strands of DNA.
Experiences leave a chemical “signature” on genes that determines whether and how genes are expressed.
Children inherit approximately 23,000 genes from their parents, but not every gene does what it was designed to do. Experiences leave a chemical “signature” on genes that determines whether and how the genes are expressed. Collectively, those signatures are called the epigenome.
The brain is particularly responsive to experiences and environments during early development. External experiencesspark signals between neurons, which respond by producing proteins. These gene regulatory proteins head to the nucleus of the neural cell, where they either attract or repel enzymes that can attach them to the genes. Positive experiences, such as exposure to rich learning opportunities, and negative influences, such as malnutrition or environmental toxins, can change the chemistry that encodes genes in brain cells — a change that can be temporary or permanent. This process is called epigenetic modification. ~The Center for the Developing Child at Harvard
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