Epigenetics

What is epigenetic?

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS3-2

How does methylation of DNA/histones affect genes transcription?

Explain effect of environment on the gene expression on example of twin study experiment.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

Which epigenetic marks do you know?

Imagine you're a detective like Ethan, trying to solve the mystery of how genes can be turned on or off without changing the DNA sequence itself. Can you explain how epigenetic changes play a role in this? Also, what environmental factor might be the culprit behind these changes?

• Epigenetic changes involve mutations in the DNA sequence; an example is UV radiation causing skin cancer.

• Epigenetic changes involve the addition of methyl groups to DNA, which can silence genes; an example is diet affecting gene expression.

• Epigenetic changes involve the deletion of genes; an example is exposure to chemicals causing gene loss.

• Epigenetic changes involve the rearrangement of DNA sequences; an example is viral infections altering DNA.

Answer explanation

Epigenetic changes, such as the addition of methyl groups to DNA, can silence genes without altering the DNA sequence. Diet is a key environmental factor that influences these changes, affecting gene expression.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS4-5

If the gene sequence is acetylated, it is inactive or active?

Epigenetics is

• a change in the DNA sequence

• a change in the histone protein shape

• addition of methyl groups to DNA only

• addition of methyl groups to DNA and histone proteins

DNA methylation is

• adding CH₄ groups to DNA

• adding CH₃ groups to DNA phosphate groups

• adding CH₃ groups to pentose sugar in DNA

• adding CH₃ groups to DNA nucleotide bases

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS3-2

Epigenetic changes are said to be

• somatically heritable

• autosomally heritable

• x linked heritable

• y linked heritable

Histone modification is

• histone methyltransferases join methyl groups to histone protein heads

• histone methyltransferases join methyl groups to histone protein tails

• DNA methyltransferases join methyl groups to DNA phosphate groups

• DNA methyltransferases join methyl groups to DNA hydrogen bonds

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS3-2