Human Heredity: Principles and Issues
Human Heredity: Principles and Issues
11th Edition
ISBN: 9781305683952
Author: Michael Cummings
Publisher: Cengage Learning US
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Chapter 11, Problem 1CS
Summary Introduction

To explain: Whether epigenetic changes caused by polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) can be passed on from parents to offsprings or not.

Introduction: Epigenetics is the study of the ways through which the DNA and associated proteins produce altered gene expression due to their chemical modification. The chemical modification does not involve a change in the nucleotide sequence of the DNA. PBDEs are flame retardants which are found in a large number of household products. These are known to cause epigenetic changes in humans.

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The epigenetic changes caused by PBDEs are heritable and can be passed from the parents to their children. In some research studies, PBDEs are found to cross the placenta and umbilical cord to the fetus, which can produce developmental disorders in the children. Chemical modification of the DNA is caused by DNA methylation which may cause an altered expression of certain genes. It leads to the epigenetic changes in the individual, which can be passed from parents to the offspring in the form of gametic alterations.

Hence, in case of the embryo, the epigenetic changes caused by PBDEs are transmitted through the placenta and umbilical cord.

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