To review:
The definition of epigenetics and if epigenetic changes are passed on from the parent to the offspring.
Introduction:
The term epigenetics was given by Conrad Waddington in 1941. Epigenetics explores the field of genetics in which changes are observed in gene expressions. These expressions are important in establishing the gene activation for many generations. There are different types of epigenetic modifications and this leads to the formation of different gene expressions.
Explanation of Solution
The definition of epigenetics is the study of gene mechanisms that lead to changes in these expressions that can be passed on from one cell to the other. This type of effect does not involve changes in the sequence of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). This also called as epimutation which can be heritable. This effect begins with a specific event that causes a change in the gene expression. The main event in epigenetic effect is the maintenance of changes in the gene expressions.
In multicellular organisms, the epigenetic effect which is passed from the parent to the offspring is termed as epigenetic inheritance. This does not occur in all organisms. Not all of the epigenetic changes are passed from one generation to the next generation. For example, the effect which is seen in somatic cells, as the cells in lungs, would not be passed on from the parent to the offspring.
Therefore, it can be concluded that epigenetics is the study of gene expression from one cell to the other cell. The effect of epigenetics is seen in most of the organisms but in somatic cells like lung cells, the genes are not passed from the parent to the offspring.
Want to see more full solutions like this?
Chapter 16 Solutions
Genetics: Analysis and Principles
- What types of behaviours or environmental circumstances can lead to changes in an individual’s epigenome? Explain.arrow_forwardIn your own words, explain epigenetics. What is it? What are the main epigenetic marks? What do they do in terms of gene transcription? What are the enzymes involved?arrow_forwardWhat mechanisms are thought to be responsible for the inheritance of epigenetic information?arrow_forward
- How does an epigenetic change differ from a mutation?arrow_forwardDiscuss the similarities and differences of phenotypic variations that are caused by epigenetic gene regulation versus variation in gene sequences (epigenetics versus genetics).arrow_forwardA scientist does an experiment in which she removes the offspring of rats from their mother at birth and has her genetics students feed and rear the offspring. Assuming that the students do not lick and groom the baby rats as the mother rats normally do, what long-term behavioral and epigenetic effects would you expect to see in the rats when they grow up?arrow_forward
- Biology Today and Tomorrow without Physiology (Mi...BiologyISBN:9781305117396Author:Cecie Starr, Christine Evers, Lisa StarrPublisher:Cengage Learning