Epigenetics Flashcards
epigenetics
-same DNA sequence but different outcome
-changes in chromatin structure, which alter gene expression
promoter is unmethylated
gene can be transcribed
promoter is methylated
too condensed, therefore gene is silenced
DNA methylation
stably maintained through DNA replication
histone modifications
more than 100 different post translational modifications of histone proteins
modifications include
-phosphates
-methyl groups
-acetyl groups
-ubiquitin
maintenance of histone modifications
passed to daughter cells during cell division and to future generations
differentiated cells
cells have become more specialized to perform a certain function
stem cells
undifferentiated cells
pluripotency
ability to differentiate into any type of cell
induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)
adult somatic cells forced to dedifferentiate and revert to stem cells
-capable of differentiating into many different types of cells
paramutation
an interaction between two alleles that leads to a heritable change in expression of one of the alleles
epialleles
genetically identical but produce heritable differences in phenotype through epigenetic processes
XIST gene
gene on the inactive X produces lncRNA that coats the inactive X chromosome and suppresses transcription
genomic imprinting
caused by epigenetic differences in the alleles inherited from male and female parents
behavioral epigenetics
life experiences, especially early in life have long lasting effects on behavior
