Component 2.5 - Epigenetics Flashcards
1
Q
What is epigenetics?
A
The control of gene expression by modifying DNA or histones, but not by affecting the DNA nucleotide sequence
2
Q
What is histone modification?
A
When methyl groups are added this makes the coiling of DNA tighter around histones so RNA polymerase has less access to the DNA and therefore transcription is decreased.
(Histones can be made looser by acetylation)
3
Q
How does epigenetics result in different expressions of the same gene?
A
Different epigenetic modifications can occur in cells of the same tissue or different tissues resulting in different expressions of the same gene in different parts of the same organism
4
Q
What could it mean if gene is not transcribed?
A
Protein is not made and this called alter someone’s appearance.
