Does epigenetics prove that life begins at birth?
This is a serious inquery.
No (Sitara).
Side Score: 31
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Yes (Flewk).
Side Score: 25
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It really depends on how you define life. Your DNA is basically an encyclopedia that contains a lot of stuff, including the blueprint to build your ancestors. Epigenetics is the process by which organisms sift through that information and use it for life. It takes a lot of sifting to go from a single cell to a 7 lb baby with complete organ systems. In fact, one wrong step could lead to severe deformation, congenital defect, or even deaths. This article summarizes a study that suggests a cesarean section might result in altered gene expression which could lead to long term effects. Side: No (Sitara).
That depends on what you mean by genetically separate. Every cell in your body contains the same DNA, but have different structure, function, size, shape, lifespan, etc. because of epigenetics. They could be considered separate organisms if you define the human body as a colony. Side: No (Sitara).
Think you are getting your terminology a tad mixed up. You cannot separate a child "genetically" from their mother because they share the same gene pool. However a child is "physically" separated from its mother when it is born. That is when life begins to become an independent human animal. Side: Yes (Flewk).
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A baby cannot survive indefinitely in the uterus It has to be born when it is term When it is born it needs oxygen Without oxygen no matter how functional the structure the brain will start to die Permanent brain damage can occur after 4 minutes Death can occur in 4-6 minutes End of story. Side: Yes (Flewk).
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