Date: Mon, 03 May 2004 08:33:46 -0500
From: Carrol Cox <cbcox-AT-ilstu.edu>
Subject: Re: BHA: RE: Concrete utopia




Mike Jones wrote:
> 
> That might be the case, but it does not alter the structure, it just alters
> the interaction between the genetic material and its environment. Or so I
> think. I am not an expert in this area. Is there any evidence that the
> actual genetic structure can be modified "naturally"?
> 
> Mike
> 

Let me give a specific example. There is a gene in rats that leads to
the rat being curious and courageous. But for this gene to be turned on
the mother rat must lick the rat cub extensively. If she does not do
this the rat ends up incurious and fearful even though it possesses the
gene for curiosity. They keep making new discoveries of this sort. Genes
operate dialectically; relations between genes and the traits they code
for are internal rather than external and mechanical.

Carrol



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