Epigenetics

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What is epigenetics?

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Epigenetics is the study of changes in gene expression that do not involve alterations to the underlying DNA sequence. It involves chemical modifications that affect how genes are turned on or off.

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What are histones?

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Histones are protein molecules around which DNA is tightly coiled in chromatin, playing a crucial role in the packaging of DNA and regulation of gene expression.

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What is the epigenome?

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The epigenome refers to the chemical compound modifications to the DNA code that can influence gene activity and expression without changing the DNA sequence itself.

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How can the removal of methyl groups from DNA affect gene expression?

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The removal of methyl groups from DNA can lead to increased gene expression, allowing more protein to be produced from that gene.

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What effect does loosening the DNA coiling around histones have?

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Loosening the DNA coiling around histones can enhance gene expression by making the DNA more accessible for transcription.

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At what age are identical twins' epigenomes expected to be most similar?

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Identical twins' epigenomes are expected to be most similar at age 6 months.

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What factors can affect the epigenome?

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Factors such as nutrition, exercise, and stress can all affect the epigenome.

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What is the role of the epigenome in gene regulation?

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The epigenome plays a critical role in regulating gene expression by adding or removing chemical tags that influence how genes are expressed.

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Can the epigenome change over a person's lifetime?

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Yes, the epigenome can change throughout a person's lifetime in response to environmental factors and lifestyle choices.

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What is DNA methylation?

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DNA methylation is a chemical modification where methyl groups are added to DNA, often leading to gene silencing.