Lec. 30 - Gene Regulation

Question 1

Describe the function of DNA methylation.

Answer 1

DNA methylation blocks transcription factors, the genes are off. Nearly permanent inactivation of genes.

Question 2

Explain how genes are regulated (turned on and off) during development.

Answer 2

Genes are turned on and off based on need. So how the genes are regulated determines things like hair color and eye color, etc.

Question 3

Describe the different types of potency and what this means.

Answer 3

Totipotent is when the stem cells have the potential to differentiate into any of the cells needed to enable an organism. Pluripotent embryonic cells are precursors to the fundamental tissue layers of the embryo. When pluripotent cells become slightly more specialized, they become multipotent.

Question 4

Explain why a zygote is considered totipotent while a blastocyst is not.

Answer 4

A zygote cannot self renew, which is why it is considered totipotent. A blastocyst can self renew which is why it is not considered totipotent.

Question 5

Explain the function of stem cells.

Answer 5

Stem cells can differentiate into specialized cells or can divide to produce more stem cells.