DNA is our genetic makeup; it’s what makes us — us. So, does DNA change over time? The short answer is YES.
Our DNA actually changes as we get older. And it actually changes quite a bit. The changing in our DNA is actually a part of the process called DNA methylation. DNA methylation is a process by which methyl groups are added to the DNA molecule. Methylation can change the activity of a DNA segment without changing it’s actual sequence. Methylation can change up to 20% of our DNA in a matter of 10 to 16 years.
Changes in methylation has been linked to a variety of diseases such as cancer and different types of autoimmune diseases. Some researchers believe that methylation is the direct causes of these diseases.
Besides methylation, the letters of our DNA that we are born with can change over time, but that’s incredibly rare.