Epigenetics in psychology

Question 1

Covalent modifications of mammalian DNA occurring via the methylation of cytosine, typically
in the context of the CpG dinucleotide

Answer 1

DNA methylation

Question 2

The study of heritable changes in gene expression or cellular phenotype caused by
mechanisms other than changes in the underlying DNA sequence. Epigenetic marks include
covalent DNA modifications and posttranslational histone modifications

Answer 2

Epigenetics

Question 2

Enzymes that establish and maintain DNA methylation using methyl-group donor compounds
or cofactors. The main mammalian DNMTs are DNMT1, which maintains methylation state
across DNA replication, and DNMT3a and DNMT3b, which perform de novo methylation

Answer 2

DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs)

Question 2

The genome-wide distribution of epigenetic marks.

Answer 2

Epigenome

Question 3

A specific deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequence that codes for a specific polypeptide or
protein or an observable inherited trait

Answer 3

Gene

Question 4

A study that maps DNA polymorphisms in affected individuals and controls matched f

Answer 4

Genome-wide association study (GWAS)

Question 5

The DNA content of a cell’s nucleus, whether a trait is externally observable or not.

Answer 5

Genotype

Question 6

HATs are enzymes that transfer acetyl groups to specific positions on histone tails, promoting
an “open” chromatin state and transcriptional activation. HDACs remove these acetyl groups,
resulting in a “closed” chromatin state and transcriptional repression.

Answer 6

Histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs)

Question 7

Posttranslational modifications of the N-terminal “tails” of histone proteins that serve as a major mode of epigenetic regulation.

Answer 7

Histone modification

Question 8

Two individual organisms that originated from the same zygote and therefore are genetically
identical or very similar. The epigenetic profiling of identical twins discordant for disease is a
unique experimental design as it eliminates the DNA sequence-, age-, and sex-differences
from consideration

Answer 8

Identical twins

Question 9

The pattern of expression of the genotype or the magnitude or extent to which it is observably
expressed—an observable characteristic or trait of an organism, such as its morphology,
development, biochemical or physiological properties, or behavior.

Answer 9

Phenotype