Trigger 10 - Revision, Consolidation and Application of Knowledge Flashcards
Would measuring epigenetic changes in saliva give a good representation of what is happening in other organs?
No, while saliva-based liquid biopsy is cost-effective and non-invasive, it may not provide a comprehensive representation of epigenetic changes in specific organs due to variations in epigenetic modifications among different tissues and cell types.
How would you analyze the data obtained from measuring DNA methylation levels?
The DNA methylation pattern of specific genomic regions is examined, typically using techniques like Illumina DNA methylation arrays. Hypermethylation of certain genes can indicate disease states, such as hypermethylated oestrogen receptor genes for cardiovascular disease.
The technique used to measure DNA methylation levels is ______________.
Illumina DNA methylation arrays are commonly used to measure DNA methylation levels, allowing for highly multiplexed measurements of DNA methylation at individual CpG islands.
Which of the following is NOT a type of epigenetic modification?
A) DNA Methylation
B) Histone Acetylation
C) RNA Splicing
D) Chromatin Remodeling
C) RNA Splicing
True or False:
Statement: A change in mRNA expression always leads to a corresponding change in protein levels/activity.
False. Post-transcriptional and post-translational regulations can affect protein levels/activity independently of mRNA expression changes.
How could genetic risk scores be used to determine who would benefit most from lifestyle interventions?
Genetic risk scores can categorize individuals based on their genetic predisposition to certain diseases, allowing for targeted lifestyle interventions for those at higher risk, potentially optimizing the effectiveness of interventions.
What drugs are available to target epigenetic changes?
Methylation inhibiting drugs such as 5-Azacytidine and Guadecitabine, as well as histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors like valproic acid, are among the drugs used to target epigenetic changes
True or False:
Statement: Epigenetic information availability does not raise ethical concerns related to privacy and discrimination.
False. Epigenetic information availability raises significant ethical concerns regarding privacy, discrimination by insurance companies or employers, and informed consent.
What is the gold standard technique for quantifying genome-wide DNA modification levels?
Whole genome bisulfite sequencing is considered the gold standard technique for quantifying genome-wide DNA modification levels, providing single-base resolution information about DNA methylation patterns.
How does chromatin remodeling influence gene expression regulation?
Chromatin remodeling involves altering the positioning and accessibility of nucleosomes, thereby regulating gene expression by controlling the accessibility of DNA to transcription factors and regulatory proteins.
Which of the following is NOT a type of epigenetic modification?
A) DNA Methylation
B) Histone Methylation
C) mRNA Splicing
D) Chromatin Remodeling
C) mRNA Splicing
True or False:
Statement: CRISPR-based gene editing allows for the precise modification of gene expression patterns by introducing specific sequence alterations.
True. CRISPR-based gene editing can precisely modify gene expression patterns by directing the Cas nuclease to specific DNA sequences.
What is the role of RNA interference (RNAi) in gene expression regulation?
RNA interference involves the post-transcriptional silencing of specific genes by introducing small interfering RNA (siRNA) or microRNAs (miRNAs) to target and degrade complementary mRNA molecules.
True or False:
Statement: Workplace discrimination based on epigenetic information is not a concern as it does not provide accurate predictions of life expectancy or chronic illness.
False. Workplace discrimination based on epigenetic information, such as predictions of life expectancy or chronic illness, is a significant ethical concern.
How does alternative splicing contribute to gene expression regulation?
Alternative splicing allows for the inclusion/exclusion of different exons during pre-mRNA processing, leading to the production of multiple mRNA isoforms from a single gene, thereby regulating gene expression by generating different protein variants or isoforms.
True or False:
Statement: The spatial organization of chromatin within the nucleus has no impact on gene expression regulation.
False. The spatial organization of chromatin within the nucleus can affect gene expression by facilitating interactions between regulatory elements and target genes.
What is the significance of post-translational modifications in regulating protein activity?
Post-translational modifications, such as phosphorylation, acetylation, ubiquitination, and glycosylation, can alter protein activity, stability, and localization, thereby regulating various cellular processes and pathways.
Which of the following techniques allows for the precise editing of gene expression patterns at the genomic level?
A) RNA Interference
B) Small Molecule Inhibitors
C) Chromatin Remodeling
D) CRISPR-based Gene Editing
D) CRISPR-based Gene Editing
How does RNA interference (RNAi) differ from CRISPR-based gene editing in terms of gene regulation mechanisms?
RNA interference (RNAi) involves the post-transcriptional silencing of specific genes by degrading complementary mRNA molecules using small interfering RNA (siRNA) or microRNAs (miRNAs), whereas CRISPR-based gene editing allows for the precise modification of gene expression patterns by introducing specific sequence alterations at the genomic level.
True or False:
Statement: Epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation, only occur in somatic cells and do not impact germline cells.
False. Epigenetic changes, including DNA methylation, can occur in both somatic and germline cells, potentially influencing gene expression in subsequent generations.
What is the role of histone modification in gene expression regulation?
Histone modification involves post-translational modifications to histone proteins, such as methylation, acetylation, phosphorylation, and ubiquitination, which can either activate or repress gene transcription by altering chromatin structure and accessibility to transcription factors.
True or False:
Statement: Genetic risk scores are solely based on environmental factors and lifestyle choices.
False. Genetic risk scores are calculated based on genetic variants associated with certain traits or diseases, in addition to considering environmental factors and lifestyle choices.
How does methylation of promoter regions influence gene expression?
Methylation of promoter regions can lead to gene silencing by blocking the binding of transcription factors and recruiting proteins involved in gene repression, thereby reducing or preventing gene transcription.
Which of the following is NOT a method used to measure DNA methylation levels?
A) Methylated DNA Immunoprecipitation Sequencing (MeDIP-seq)
B) CRISPR-based Gene Editing
C) Reduced Representation Bisulfite Sequencing
D) Whole Genome Bisulfite Sequencing
B) CRISPR-based Gene Editing