Is genetic memory real? Do we carry within us the experiences of our ancestors?

I believe that a person grows up and hears things around them that shape them. However, I also believe that as people often say "It's in my blood". I believe that people who have had ancestors that for instance, were slaves, or who traveled to America when it was first formed, or who have gone through hardships, these people's experiences and emotions, and dedication and sweat, have been poured from generation to generation. Have been imbedded in the blood. Like different races have different ailments, some so similar, some so different and some the same. Those that are different, shape the race, shape the people, and cause them be different, to be known as different... I guess, I've lost my inspiration, but I hope you understand my meaning.

Hi, Dabrak! I believe the genetic material we have in our genes contains elements of the experiences and attitudes of our forebears. There's so much more to us than our physical beings, it just makes sense tat emotional and spiritual information is on those strands of DNA along with the physical!

I believe that people are connected to their ancestry,their roots, in one way or another no matter how far removed they are by generation placing. Some persons of course could not care less from whence their family originated but I believe that for the most part people are curious about their roots. It is natural to feel some sense of hurt or pride triggered by the experiences of our ancesters. Whether it was enslavement, gold mining, the wid west, native indians, aborriginals or jews, we tend to connect with the experiences our ancesters went through. Our curiousity leads us to find out about our grand and great grand parents. We connect or seek to understand their way of life,their music and their value system. I believe that somehow even one of these becomes a part of us.

I think it's just natural to be able to relate to things that we are familiar with and to have an interest in things related to our ancestry. I doubt that it has anything to do with genetic memory, but who knows?

i haven't heard any scientific studies about genetic memory. i'm pretty sure it's just a misconception and in my opinion there is no such thing. maybe these strong feelings that you have are manifestations of what you believe in. each person has beliefs handed down from their culture, tradition, and religion. i could be wrong but probably you care for the welfare of the native americans because you have a strong affiliation towards them. as you have mentioned, you have a native american blood running in your veins. i believe these strong feelings that you have are manifestations of your experiences and not manifestations of your ancestors experiences. well, feel free to disagree! i did learn a new term today.

I do believe that some sort of memories remain within us and that has defenitly got link with the genitic order of a person and in turn with the ancestors or parents. So that doesn't mean a major portion of the memory is descided by the genetic order.

I believe sometimes that we do. Take for instance, there are times that I have went some place and its like I have been there before. Even though I have never seen the place before in my life, or no one has ever told me anything about it.

Hello debrakcarey, This topic has caused me to sit down and think of things from a biological point of view. Genetic information is transmitted to us from our parents, and by extension our forefathers during copulation, by the combination of maternal chromosomes and paternal chromosomes when the zygote is formed. These chromosomes contain the actual genetic material - DNA. I enjoy viewing the way that DNA stores genetic information, as intricately simple - a paradoxical term if you will. Basically, certain regions along the DNA strands code for the production of a protein. These are the regions termed genes. Now if the genetic information is passed on to us, from our mother and father, then it is quite logical to think that we are capable of producing identical proteins to the ones produced by our parents (I say identical, because the processes of transcription and translation in protein production are very precise). As proteins take on structural, hormonal and most importantly enzymatic functions, it is also quite plausible that these proteins can be used to build structures and compounds, similar to those present in our parents. Hence if one were to imagine that certain regions of the brain can be modeled in a similar manner to one's mother for instance, and that due to the enzymes and hormones present, similar chemicals can be produced, then it is quite plausible to believe that memories, experiences and emotions from our parents may be in fact possibly transmitted genetically. However this postulate would have to assume that memories are simply the interactions of nervous impulses and chemicals within the brain that are processed by the regions of higher intelligence in the brain, producing memories, feelings and emotions. After all, how many times have you heard someone say something like, "He gets his courage from his father!" or "She is just as soft-hearted as her mother? Anyways, these are just my late night ramblings, meant to be taken with a grain of salt. I thank you for providing such a stimulating topic and wish you happy myLotting!

Only somethings can be inherited genetically and as far as a know memory is not one of them although i will say this, scientist still havnt completely figured out the brain as a whole.