Epigenetics Flashcards
DNA
- Chemical code which contains info needed to build proteins
- These proteins make the body work (eg. neurons make neuropeptides to communicate - neurotransmitters)
- DNA has symbols known as bases (A, C, G, T) - arranged in base pairs (A/T & C/G only possible ones)
- Any mistakes (mutations) are wuickly fixed - changing any part of code changes result
Gene
Section of DNA that enables a specific function
Acetylation
An acetyl group promotes gene expression by opening the histone structure
Methylation
A methyl group suppresses gene expression by closing the histone structures
Genotype
The info present in DNA
Phenotype
The result of the expression of DNA in the environment
Cookbook Analogy
1) DNA = Recipe Book
2) Gene = Recipe
3) Code = Ingredients
4) Transcribe = Measure
5) Make Protein = Cook/Serve
Diathesis-Stress
A model of disease that sees nature and nurture as interacting forces
Reading DNA code
1) Each part of DNA codes own proteins - single strand can have many outcomes
2) DNA transcribed by specialised enzymes in same order each time - parts we don’t need now are skipped over - result is RNA, which is then translated into proteins
3) Identical DNA =/= identical genetics - genes are spliced, recombined, assembled from conception
4) DNA must open to be read by enzymes - allows RNA to be put together, mimicking info from DNA before being capped at each end
DNA Modifiers
- DNA coiled around histones - group to form bundle
- Gene accessibility controlled by methyl and acetyl groups
- Methylated genes - unreadable (genes are skipped)
- Acetylated genes - readable, structures open/attract enzymes
Epigenetics
- Study of gene regulation by modifications
- Methyl/Acetyl groups modify DNA transcription without changes
- Enviromental influences can add methyl/acetyl groups to genes
- We see risk genes, but no 100% chances
- Enzymes and proteins can act on epigenome
- Epigenetic changes not permanent - can be reversed or increased - treatment possibility
