The recently completed Kentucky Derby Classic (5/2/26) attracted thousands of racing fans. It has been a sports attraction since 1875. The physical characteristics and performance abilities of racehorses and all living things are gifts bestowed from the Creator of life. The presence of life on Planet Earth is unique in this enormous universe. As far as we know, life exists in no other location.
Life scientists have described the characteristics of living things in great detail. These descriptions are inadequate to describe the wonder of life itself. Life scientists have described the salient characteristics of life in their literature. Humanity is discovering more wonders of life with each passing year. Here is a past post where we discussed the question, “What is Life?”
https://jasscience.blogspot.com/search?q=What+is+life?
Seven characteristics of life listed in the link above are repeated in many different sources of biological literature. Together, the seven characteristics generally amount to a genealogy of all living entities. Genealogy includes not only the history of living things, but also the achievements of the living entities—their ability to achieve and perform at a high level.
We begin our discussion of genealogy by discussing one of the most beautiful animals on Earth—the thoroughbred race horse. There are about 600 distinct horse breeds in existence.
If thoroughbred racehorses could communicate with humans, they may joke that their physical traits or abilities are locked away in their DNA or in their genes. We hear statements like “It’s in my DNA” or “It’s in my genes.” Of course, these statements are true, but they do little to explain how the wonder of life is locked within a complex assortment of atoms and molecules composed primarily of the elements hydrogen, oxygen, carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur. These elements comprise over 99% of genetic material. Atoms of trace elements are also present in living tissue.
Genes are segments of the DNA molecule—a long, double twisted helical spiral of smaller molecules. Within this double-twisted DNA molecule the “code of life” is embedded. The code of life directs the construction of thousands of proteins—the building blocks of physical life. Chromosomes located in each DNA molecule contain all the genetic material necessary for the existence of life. Genes possess variants called alleles which provide variety from two parents. DNA, with its chromosomes, genes, and alleles affect the appearance and performance level of thoroughbred racehorses such as triple crown winner Secretariat in 1973 as well as other outstanding equine performers.
Epigenetic changes have been highlighted since 1965 and are still discussed in the 21st century. The term epigenetics has become more popular. Epigenetic changes occur in addition to genetic changes resulting from DNA heritage, such as height, hair color and body build.
Epigenetic traits can be enhanced by training, exercise, and other environmental stimuli. These desirable changes become part of a living creature’s epigenome. There is a market for race horses able to sire offspring in order to produce victories on the racetrack due to superior speed, strength, and endurance. Nineteen of twenty Kentucky Derby horses trace their pedigree to Secretariat.
The God of the Bible has created all things for His glory. In modern times mankind has been able to discover the wonders of life itself, including the wonders of the human genome and epigenome. Many discoveries concerning the wonders of genetics and epigenetics are ongoing. “In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.” (Job 12:10)
We cite this link from our post of 12/22/15. It details topics in genetics and epigenetics in greater depth:
https://jasscience.blogspot.com/2018/02/epigenetics-buzzword.html
