Why don't we transmit knowledge through our DNA?

Question

Why don't we transmit knowledge through our DNA?

Answer 1

Like some people have pointed out, some knowledge is passed on through DNA, although it is pretty basic stuff and not what we normally think of when talking about knowledge. And like other people have pointed out, for knowledge (or anything) to be passed on the information has to be encoded in our s*x cells, otherwise it cannot be passed on to the next generation. But that fact only prevents new knowledge to be passed on, it's not a good reason for why general knowledge isn't passed on from generation to generation.

In order to be born with more knowledge, we would have to be borne with a more developed brain, since that's where knowledge are stored and used. As it is now, our brains just have the hardwiring done, all the fine tuning is done after birth. So in order to know more at birth, our DNA would have to contain tons of genes guiding not only neuronal connections, but also synapse connections in between neurons. And there are two main reasons why this would be very unpractical:

First, there is an advantage in having a undeveloped brain. It makes us more flexible. Imagine, for example, if language was hardwired into the brain. You would then be born with the ability to speak your ancestors language, but no other. So if you would happen to be borne in someplace where they speak a different language you'd be screwed. The plasticity of our brains makes it easier for us to adapt to our surroundings, and since we are completely dependent on our parents the first years anyway we can afford to learn things as we go along instead of having them hardwired into our brains.

The second reason is perhaps more important. An adult brain contains billions of neuronal connections, and it would take TONS of genes to encode all that information. Replicating and translating DNA takes time and energy, and having a too large genome would be very unpractical. It is simply more efficient and practical to learn things as we go along, even though it might not seem like it at the time.

Answer 2

In short, because thought isn't converted into genetic code.  DNA contains a vast amount of information, but anything you cognitively learn after conception will not be added to it.

Answer 3

Say that you could store memory in DNA.  The problem there is that unless the DNA is in the gametes (s*x cells), the memory isn't going to be spread to our kids.

Answer 4

because knowledge is learned...it changes all the time...

Answer 5

To put it very simply were aren't designed that way.  The purpose of DNA is to code for protein production. Everything that we are is derived from the interaction of these proteins.  Assuming that you are talking about a learned knowledge it isn't possible for DNA to pass this on because it isn't coded for.  You would have to encode that information into your DNA in order for it to be passed on.  We have the ability to learn and remember because our brain is basically a bunch of electrical circuits that open and close to store the information.  Kind of like a computer stores information with a series of 1's and 0's.  We have the ability to speak because our brain ( which is coded for in DNA ) can store the necessary information for the task.  But that information must be learned and stored there before it can be utilized.  It is only stored in the brain and once the brain is dead the information is lost (at least with our current level of technology).  In order for it to be passed on in our DNA; every time we learned something a change would be necessary in our DNA to insure that the correct pathway would exist in our offspring's brain.

Answer 6

We don't have good readers and writers for DNA.  Imagine taking a month to read 750Mb -- which your CD player from 1985 can read in less than an hour.

Answer 7

A large amount of "knowledge" is passed on through DNA.  All the behaviors babies show in the first minutes is "instinctive', coded in DNA.  This would include breathing, heart eating and all the other basic functions.  Even nursing does not have to be taught (to babies- a lot of mothers seem to have problems with it). Enough knowledge is transmitted to the babies to learn how to see, hear and so on.  Fear o heights, fear of sudden loud noises and other things is inborn.

I realize you may not think of these things as 'knowledge' but in a real sense they are.  The abilities to learn a language is inborn and if the moment to learn it is not used children can never learn to speak (same is true for hearing and sight) If you did not know them from birth learning them would be hard to impossible. More and more things are being shown to be innate to new borns and not learned, as previously thought.

Answer 8

what you mean like 2+2=4?

non genetic material cannot be passed genetically..

conditions attained through life cannot be transmitted..

if it take steroids an get huge.. are my kids going to be huge? no...

same thing

why are secrets taken to the grave?

shouldn't their kids know about them?