Is Everything Already Written in Our DNA?

Hello, Learner!

In this newsletter, I bring you another thought-provoking topic—destiny! Humanity has long debated whether destiny is real. Is our fate preordained, or do we shape it ourselves? But more importantly, is everything already written in our DNA?

To answer this, we must go back to the very beginning—embryogenesis, the start of life itself.

The Genetic Blueprint: More Than Just Inheritance:

The moment an egg and sperm fuse, embryogenesis begins. The fertilized cell undergoes rapid cell division, faithfully copying and passing down genetic material to each new cell.

Each parent contributes half of the genetic material—23 chromosomes from the father and 23 from the mother—forming the complete set of 46 human chromosomes. But here’s where it gets fascinating:

The experiences of parents throughout their lives—stress, diet, exposure to toxins, and even learned behaviors—leave imprints on their DNA. These changes, stored in epigenetic markers, can be inherited by the developing fetus.

This means that life experiences, in the form of genetic and epigenetic information, help the baby adapt to the world before birth.

The Mystery of Genetic Reprogramming:

But wait—if we inherit all this information from our parents, wouldn’t we just be exact copies of them? Not quite!

During early embryogenesis, something mysterious happens. The DNA undergoes a process known as epigenetic reprogramming—where most epigenetic tags (such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and acetylation patterns) are erased and rewritten.

Why? This step ensures that each new life starts with a fresh, optimized version of genetic information, not just an accumulated record of ancestral experiences.

Does That Mean Our Destiny Is Fixed?:

At first glance, it may seem that everything is indeed written in our DNA. Our genetic code provides the instructions for how our body develops, functions, and responds to the environment.

However, genetic expression is highly dynamic—it is influenced by the choices we make, the environments we live in, and the challenges we encounter.

For example:

If you follow a lifestyle similar to your parents—eating the same foods, living in the same region, facing the same environmental conditions—your genes may express in a way that aligns with their experiences.

But if you introduce new environmental factors—such as different nutrition, exercise habits, or even stress levels—your epigenetic markers can change, potentially altering how your DNA is expressed.

So while our DNA provides the foundation, it doesn’t rigidly dictate our fate—it adapts to our lived experiences.

Humans are a curious species. Unlike other animals that follow genetic instincts, we continuously challenge our genetic programming by exploring, experimenting, and adapting.

However, not all challenges are beneficial.

Exposure to pollutants, processed foods, chronic stress, and radiation can negatively impact our DNA, increasing the risk of conditions like cancer.

On the other hand, healthy habits—such as proper nutrition, exercise, and stress management—can positively influence gene expression, promoting longevity and well-being.

Thus, no one is “destined” for cancer or success—these outcomes are shaped by the complex interplay of genes, environment, and personal choices.

Yes, everything is written in our DNA, but our life experiences act as the editor. While our genetic script may be pre-written, how it unfolds depends on how we live.

So, are we bound by our DNA? Or are we free to rewrite parts of our genetic destiny?

I rest my case.

I hope you enjoyed the reading!

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Stay curious,
Dr. Tushar Chauhan
Genetic Education Academy

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