10 Questions
What is the duration of epigenetic changes through cell divisions?
For the duration of the cell's life
What causes genes to behave differently in epigenetic changes?
Non-genetic factors
What is an example of epigenetic change in eukaryotic biology mentioned in the text?
Cellular differentiation
What type of cells do totipotent stem cells become during morphogenesis?
Pluripotent cell lines
What do daughter cells change into as the zygote continues to divide?
All the different cell types in an organism
Genotyping involves defining the genes of an individual:
False
Genotyping methods include RFLP, RAPD, AFLP, PCR, DNA sequencing, ASO probes, and hybridization to DNA microarrays or beads.
True
Almost all genotyping is whole-genome genotyping.
False
Genotyping is not important in researching genes and gene variants associated with disease.
False
Genotyping can be applied to microorganisms such as viruses and bacteria.
True
Study Notes
Epigenetics Definition
- Epigenetics is the study of heritable traits or stable changes in cell function that occur without changes to the DNA sequence.
- The term "epigenetics" comes from the Greek prefix epi- meaning "over, outside of, around", implying features that are "on top of" or "in addition to" the traditional genetic mechanism of inheritance.
Characteristics of Epigenetics
- Epigenetic changes are not erased by cell division.
- They affect the regulation of gene expression.
- Such effects can result from environmental factors or be part of normal development.
Epigenetic Mechanisms
- DNA methylation alters how genes are expressed without altering the underlying DNA sequence.
- Histone modification alters how genes are expressed without altering the underlying DNA sequence.
- Non-coding RNA sequences play a key role in the regulation of gene expression.
Gene Expression Regulation
- Gene expression can be controlled through the action of repressor proteins that attach to silencer regions of the DNA.
Epigenetic Consequences
- Epigenetic changes can lead to cancer.
Test your knowledge of epigenetics, the study of heritable traits and stable changes in cell function that occur without altering the DNA sequence.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
