The Epigenome Flashcards
What is the nucleosome made up of?
Histone proteins and DNA
What are the features of euchromatin?
Gene rich, Transcriptionally active, less wound up and unique DNA sequences
What is another name for euchromatin?
Compartment A
What are the features of heterochromatin?
Gene poor, less Transcriptionally active, condensed appearance and a repetitive DNA sequence
What is another name for heterochromatin?
Compartment B
What is a definition for the epigenome?
The sum of all (heritable) changes in the genome that doesn’t occur in the primary DNA sequences and that affect gene expression
What does a change in the epigenome result in?
A change in the phenotype, not the genotype
What are the mechanisms that regulate gene expression?
DNA methylation and histone modification
What is DNA methylation?
Addition of a methyl group in the 5’ position of a cytosine
What is DNA methylation?
Addition of a methyl group in the 5’ position of a cytosine
What is DNA methylation catalysed by?
DNA methyltransferase enzymes
Which DNA methyltransferase enzymes catalyse DNA methylation?
DNMT1, DNMT3a and DNMT3b
What provides the methyl group for DNA methylation?
S-adenosyl methionine
Where does DNA methylation occur in differentiated cells?
CpG dinucleotides
What does DNA demethylation do?
Turns transcription off by preventing the binding of transcription factors
What is histone modification?
Addition of chemical groups to the histone