[05] Epigenetics and DNA Methylation Analysis Flashcards
What is Epigenetics?
It involves changes in an organism’s gene expression without alteration of the genetic code itself.
What is DNA Methylation?
It’s a process by which methyl groups are added to the DNA molecule, typically repressing gene transcription.
What is the significance of DNA methylation in epigenetics?
It is a mechanism that regulates gene expression without altering the genetic code.
What is DNA methylation analysis?
It’s a method to study the epigenetic state of a genome, providing insights into gene regulation, development, aging, and disease states.
Where does DNA methylation occur in mammals?
It occurs at the carbon 5 position of the cytosine ring in a cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) dinucleotide context.
What are the applications of DNA methylation analysis?
- Cancer research
- Neurological disorders
- Developmental biology and more.
What challenges does DNA methylation analysis pose?
- It requires precise and sensitive techniques
- It can be expensive and time-consuming
What does DNA methylation repress?
Gene transcription
How does DNA methylation affect gene expression?
By adding methyl groups to the DNA molecule, it typically represses gene transcription, thus altering gene expression.
How is DNA methylation studied?
Through DNA methylation analysis techniques such as bisulfite sequencing, methylated DNA immunoprecipitation (MeDIP), and more.
What insights does DNA methylation analysis provide?
It provides insights into gene regulation, development, aging, and disease states.
How is DNA methylation involved in cancer research?
Abnormal DNA methylation patterns are often seen in cancer cells, thus its analysis can help in understanding the disease better.
How is DNA methylation involved in studying neurological disorders?
Changes in DNA methylation patterns can influence the development of neurological disorders, hence its analysis can provide valuable insights.
What is the role of DNA methylation in developmental biology?
DNA methylation plays a crucial role in cellular differentiation and organism development, thus its analysis is vital in developmental biology.
Why is DNA methylation analysis time-consuming?
Because it requires precise and sensitive techniques to detect and analyze methylation patterns.
