1 Epigenetics

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Questions and Answers

What is the most accurate description of epigenetics?

The study of genetic mutations that affect gene expression.

The study of changes in the DNA sequence that are heritable.

The study of mitotically and/or meiotically heritable changes in gene function that do not involve changes in the DNA sequence. (correct)

The study of the genome and how it changes over time through multiple generations.

Which of the following is a key factor that allows for cellular diversity in humans despite having identical genomes across many cell types?

Epigenetic modifications influencing gene expression. (correct)

Mutations in genes during cellular differentiation.

Variations in the rate of DNA replication across cells.

Changes in DNA sequence within different cell types.

How does an epigenetic disease differ from a genetic disorder?

Epigenetic diseases involve alterations in the DNA sequence, whereas genetic disorders are caused by changes in epigenetic marks.

Epigenetic diseases result from abnormal cell division, unlike genetic disorders.

Epigenetic diseases are caused by changes in epigenetic marks. Genetic disorders are caused by alterations in the DNA sequence. (correct)

Epigenetic diseases are generally not heritable, while genetic disorders can be heritable.

What mechanism allows for the phenotypic differences observed between genetically identical individuals?

Distinct epigenetic marks affecting gene expression. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of epigenetic modifications in the context of cell division?

They control how and when genes are transcribed and are inherited when cells divide. Signup and view all the answers

What is the process by which a differentiated cell is reprogrammed to become an undifferentiated cell in cloning?

Dedifferentiation Signup and view all the answers

In the context of cellular differentiation, which is not true?

During cell differentiation, the DNA sequence changes. Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between epigenetic marks and transcription?

Epigenetic marks control when and how genes are transcribed. Signup and view all the answers

How is Silver-Russell syndrome related to epigenetics as discussed in the content?

It is an epigenetic disease that leads to distinguishable phenotypic differences within genetically identical twins. Signup and view all the answers

Why are genetically identical individuals not always phenotypically identical?

Because they have different epigenetic marks influencing gene expression. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of epigenetic changes?

They are based on changes in the DNA sequence. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes transgenerational epigenetic inheritance from other forms of epigenetic inheritance?

It involves the transmission of non-DNA sequence-based information across several generations. Signup and view all the answers

According to the provided information, what can be inferred about the relationship between DNA sequence and epigenetic marks?

Epigenetic marks can be altered by environmental factors independent of the underlying DNA sequence. Signup and view all the answers

What does the EWAS meta-analysis relating to lifetime cannabis use primarily investigate?

Changes in DNA methylation patterns, adjusting for cigarette smoking. Signup and view all the answers

Based on the provided content, how does maternal smoking during and/or before pregnancy affect newborn DNA?

It can lead to changes in DNA methylation patterns in cord blood. Signup and view all the answers

What conclusion can be made regarding a father's smoking habits during his teenage years on his offspring?

It may lead to the potential passing on of harmful epigenetic traits to future generations. Signup and view all the answers

What impact on children's health has been linked to in-utero exposure to severe drought events?

Lower body weight and increased adiposity. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following disorders is NOT identified as being influenced by epigenetic factors listed from the provided content?

Cystic fibrosis. Signup and view all the answers

What do the studies on the Samburu community in northern Kenya reveal about the relationship between environmental stressors and epigenetics?

Environmental factors such as drought can induce specific epigenetic modifications that are detectable through DNA methylation patterns. Signup and view all the answers

What was Conrad Waddington's primary focus when studying cell differentiation?

The causal interactions between genes and their products leading to a phenotype. Signup and view all the answers

How does the presentation describe the role of epigenetics in cell differentiation and specialization?

Each cell has a unique epigenetic signature, which contributes to cell-type specific function. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of epigenetics, what does the term "epigenetic landscape" refer to?

A visual metaphor illustrating the developmental pathways leading to different cell types. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the broadest definition of epigenetics?

Any factor other than the DNA sequence which influences organism development. Signup and view all the answers

What is one common misconception regarding epigenetics?

It solely describes the effects of behaviors and environment on gene function. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements reflects a core principle of epigenetics?

Variations in gene expression patterns can be achieved without DNA sequence changes. Signup and view all the answers

According to the provided materials, what is the main focus of the book 'Genetics and Genomics in Medicine 2e'?

The role of genetics and genomics in human health, and disease. Signup and view all the answers

What significant contribution did Waddington make to the field of epigenetics in the 1940s?

Providing a model to explain how cells with the same genetic code produce different tissues. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is described as ‘exciting and important’ in the context of epigenetics?

The capacity of epigenetic markers to respond to environmental cues. Signup and view all the answers

What does the article by John and Rougeulle primarily discuss?

The relationship between phenotypes and the dynamic nature of the epigenome during development. Signup and view all the answers

What is the subject matter of the book 'Molecular Cell Biology' by Harvey Lodish?

A detailed exploration of the molecular processes and components of the cell. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Epigenetics and Underlying Principles

Epigenetics studies how genes and their products interact to influence phenotype, not the DNA sequence itself.
Waddington's definition (1957) describes epigenetics as the study of the causal interactions between genes and products leading to phenotype development.
A broader definition encompasses anything that affects an organism's development beyond DNA sequence. This includes epigenetic alterations.
A common, yet incorrect, definition views epigenetics as the study of how behavior and environment change gene functioning.
A correct definition highlights that epigenetics focuses on heritable changes in gene function without altering DNA sequence. Such changes can be mitotically and/or meiotically inherited.
Cells differentiate into distinct types during development, even though they share the same genetic code. This differentiation is influenced by epigenetic changes.
Cloning, demonstrating dedifferentiation and redifferentiation, further supports the role of epigenetics in shaping cell fate.
Numerous cell types exist, and each cell contains a unique epigenetic signature.

Epigenetic Modifications

Epigenetic modifications are marks that can be added or removed from DNA.
These modifications control when and how genes are transcribed.
Modifications are inherited when cells undergo division.
Some modifications even extend across generations.

Inherited Modifications

Mitotic cell division inherits epigenetic modifications. This is crucial for development and cell differentiation.
Meiotic cell division enables transgenerational epigenetic inheritance, impacting future generations' traits.

Epigenetics and Human Diseases

Epigenetic alterations can cause various diseases, whereas traditional genetic disorders result from changes in the DNA sequence itself.
Epigenetic factors can influence diseases like Fragile X syndrome, imprinting disorders, Friedreich's ataxia, cancer, aging, schizophrenia, and obesity, impacting health.

Environmental Influences

Epigenetic marks respond to environmental factors, unlike DNA sequence.
These responses can influence traits across multiple generations.
Studies have investigated the impact of cannabis use, maternal smoking, maternal depression, and paternal smoking on offspring epigenetic traits.
Environmental stressors, like drought, might also influence epigenetic patterns in subsequent generations.

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Description

This quiz delves into the fundamental concepts of epigenetics, exploring how genes interact to influence phenotype and the definitions surrounding epigenetic alterations. It clarifies common misconceptions and emphasizes the heritable changes in gene function without altering the DNA sequence.