epigenetics

Question 1

epigenetics

Answer 1

genes masking each other

Question 2

epigenetic mechanisms

Answer 2

in addition to dna sequence, packaging by histones, can affect expression of genes - make them unwind more/less accessible- by addition of epigenetic markers. usually methyl group, acetyl group, phosphate. EX: METHYLATION- added to tails of histones- effects how gene is expressed. these markers get passed to offspring

Question 3

if mom has a methylated histone group, does child?

Answer 3

yes! that’s how these weird epigentic ratios persist

Question 4

multigenerational epigenetics example

Answer 4

exposing pregnant moms to toxins has effects for 3 generations - its not lamarck’s inherited broken bones theory, its genetic modification via epigenetics.

-somethings been methylated, carries on in children

Question 5

is starvation considered epigenetic environmental effect?

Answer 5

yes- changes in utero during starvation conditions cause altered phenotypes in children that can persist through many generations

‘environmental insults’

Question 6

what are the safeguards against epigenetic mistakes?

Answer 6

Fertilization happens. Embryo begins to develop- first ‘erasure’ is supposed to wipe out all epigenetic markers. Turns out it doesn’t always do this.

Next stage, during 6-18th week of pregnancy, when gonad cells begin to form. We assumed erasure was happening, but maybe not.

Question 7

extranuclear inheritence

Answer 7

genes not in nucleus- mitochondria!

Question 8

mitochondrial genes mutation

Answer 8

get a different form of inheritance pattern than we’ve been used to

Question 9

why is mitochondrial inheritance sex-linked?

Answer 9

you only get mito DNA from your mother. so in a disease, you’d see only females pass it on, not males.