Genes can be turned on or off depending on environmental cues from "summary" of El gen / The Gene: An Intimate History by Siddhartha Mukherjee
Genes, the fundamental units of heredity, are not immutable entities set in stone. They possess a malleable quality, able to respond to external signals and adjust their activity accordingly. This ability to be switched on or off is crucial for the organism's adaptation to its environment. This phenomenon, known as gene expression, is a dynamic process that regulates the flow of genetic information within cells. Environmental cues play a significant role in determining which genes are activated and which are suppressed. These cues can range from physical factors like temperature and light to chemical signals such as hormones and nutrients. The interaction between genes and the environment is a complex dance, with each partner influencing the other in a delicate balance. The concept of gene regulation is not limited to simple on-off switches but involves a spectrum of possibilities. Genes can be fine-tuned to different levels of activity, allowi...
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