Epigenetics

The DNA is tightly wrapped around the histone proteins and the gene is methylated.

• The gene is silenced.

• The gene is active.

• It is impossible to tell.

• The gene is on and off at various times.

The protein DNA wraps around to form a nucleosome.

• Gene

• Chromosome

• Nucleus

• Histone

These chemical tags inactivate or silence a gene.

• acetyl groups

• methyl groups

• histones

• genes

This term refers to the chemical tags that affect gene function and may be passed on through generations.

• genome

• methylation

• epigenome

• autosomes

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS3-2

This gene is activated in rat pups that are highly nurtured by their mothers.

• cortisol gene

• DMNT gene

• GR gene

• CRTV4 gene

Why do identical twins begin to look different as they age?

• Their environment causes mutation of the MAOA gene.

• Mutations accumulate which deactivates histone proteins.

• Exposure to different environments causes the addition of epigenetic tags that result in changes in gene function.

• The DMNT gene is silenced.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS3-2

Which of the genes below would you want to have demethylated in your body? Select all that apply.

• Cancer causing genes

• Genes associated with anxiety.

• tumor suppressor genes

• genes related to immune system function

What is true of an active gene?

• The DNA is so compact that it can leave the nucleus and travel to the ribosome.

• It is hyper-methylated.

• The DNA is tightly coiled around the histones and accessible by RNA.

• The DNA is more relaxed and can be transcribed by RNA.

What role do cell signals play in cell specialization?

• Cell signals encourage DNA replication at the promoter.

• Cell signals silence genes unrelated to the cell's purpose.

• Cell signals are influenced by temperature changes.

• None of the above.

What is true of rat pups raised by low nurturing mothers?

• Their GR gene is methylated. And they have difficulty recovering from stress.

• Their GR gene is demethylated and they recover from stress easily.

• The GR gene is loose and easily transcribed by the RNA.

• The GR gene is demethylated and the pups experience difficulty recovering from stressful situations.