Re: Are there ways our DNA can be changed or altered?

Dear MaryBeth,

The only way that DNA can be permanently "changed" is through mutation. Of the agents you listed, smoking can definitely cause mutational changes. This is the basis for smoking causing cancer. While drugs, alcohol, & intense emotional states can all be detrimental to the body, these effects are not generally mediated by a change in DNA sequence, i.e. mutations. However, I think that some drugs, particularly those whose production & distribution are not regulated, including alcohol, could potentially cause DNA damage, especially if abused/over- used. But there are many other environmental agents, such as certain solvents, UV rays in sunlight, radiation sources, & chemical contaminants of drinking water, that can cause DNA changes/mutations, too. In short, DNA can definitely be changed by outside stimuli, but not likely by music or long-term emotions. Furthermore, the chance of such a change being beneficial, as opposed to damaging, is extremely slim. Consequently, the claim that "listening to their new cd would change listeners DNA" is basically equivalent to claiming that their music causes cancer - yikes...

BUT, I think that a lot of confusion arises from viewing our DNA/genes as a static component of our body. It most definitely is not. While we are born with the same set of genes we will pass on to our offspring & die with, it is the modulation of gene expression which regulates our growth & response to outside stimuli, including emotions. What this means is that when we listen to music or experience an emotional or attitudinal response, it can turn specific genes on or off TEMPORARILY. This does not actually "change their chemical components" of the DNA. Our genes are designed to be switched on & off without changing their composition. One example of this is hormonal responses, such as the familiar adrenaline surge. This response is accompanied by switching the adrenaline gene on. Furthermore, adrenaline itself also switches on other genes in many other cells to initiate the "fight or flight" response. Once the stimulus is over, all of these genes gradually revert back to their original state, with no actual change in DNA sequence.

So, a change in attitude does cause chemical changes which do affect our DNA, but these effects are not generally permanent. The best website I know of to explain gene expression a little better is called "DNA from the Beginning: An Animated Primer on the Basics of DNA, Genes, and Heredity" from the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.

I hope that this helps to clear things up a little for you,

Jeff