Define the term epigenetic inheritance, and describe two examples.
To review:
Epigenetic inheritance and its two examples.
Introduction:
Non-mendelian inheritance refers to inheritance of genes which does not follow one or more laws of inheritance given by Gregor Johan Mendel. The maternal effect, epigenetic inheritance, and extra-nuclear inheritance are examples of non-mendelian inheritance.
Explanation of Solution
The analysis of alteration in the chromosome or a gene resulting in the changes in the expression of a gene is known as epigenetic inheritance. These changes do not necessarily pass to future generations. These changes result in alteration of the phenotype of the individual for the entire lifetime but when this individual make gametes, it would contain the chromosome without any alterations.
The two examples are described as follows:
1. X-chromosome inactivation: It refers to the phenomenon that occurs in some female individual mammals. In order to maintain the level of gene products, one of the X-chromosome is made inactive. The expression of the genes present on one of the chromosomes is silenced by packaging it into a structure whose promoter is inaccessible by RNA polymerase.
2. Genomic Imprinting: It is an epigenetic inheritance in which marking is made on a stretch of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). The mark made is contained in the individual and is sighted through the entire life of an individual that has inherited such DNA. The gene expressed could belong to the mother or father depending on whether the alteration occurred during oogenesis or spermatogenesis. A bird able to differentiate between its own parents and other birds is an example of genomic imprinting.
Therefore, it can be concluded that epigenetic inheritance involves the changes in the chromosomal genes or chromosome resulting in the phenotypic changes. X-chromosome inactivation and genomic imprinting are examples of epigenetic inheritance.
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Chapter 5 Solutions
Genetics: Analysis and Principles
- Explain the functional relationship and their roles in inheritance of DNA, genes, alleles, and chromosomes.arrow_forwardExplain the central dogma of inheritance. Cite a specific example.arrow_forward1) using at least one named example discuss the implication of allelic heterogeneity in single gene disorder for the presentation and progession of the disorder and its treatment 2) discuss the importance of understanding epigenetics in improving people healtharrow_forward
- What is extranuclear inheritance? Describe three examplesarrow_forwardEpigenetics addresses a) the mechanism by which the environment alters a person’s genotype. b) the mechanism by which gene can code for more than one protein. c) the mechanisms that can alter gene expression. d) heritability patterns based on dominant and recessive alleles.arrow_forwardWhy is it difficult to study whether a trait is due to epigenetic changes or due to something else?arrow_forward
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- Biology Today and Tomorrow without Physiology (Mi...BiologyISBN:9781305117396Author:Cecie Starr, Christine Evers, Lisa StarrPublisher:Cengage Learning