Epigenetics and Its Impact on Health

The video explores how identical twins can differ due to epigenetics, which studies how DNA interacts with molecules to activate or deactivate genes. Epigenetic changes, influenced by environment and lifestyle, can affect gene expression and lead to different health outcomes. These changes can persist through cell division and may even be inherited. Understanding epigenetics could help explain development, aging, and diseases, with potential for influencing our epigenome through lifestyle choices.

Why might identical twins exhibit different traits despite having the same DNA?

• Because they have different blood types.

• Because they have different DNA sequences.

• Because they are exposed to different levels of sunlight.

• Because they have different epigenomes.

What is the role of smaller molecules in cells concerning DNA?

• They activate or deactivate genes.

• They change the DNA sequence.

• They replicate the DNA.

• They destroy the DNA.

What is the epigenome?

• The number of genes in a cell.

• The set of chemical tags attached to the genome.

• The total number of cells in an organism.

• The sequence of DNA in a cell.

How do methyl groups affect gene expression?

• They have no effect on gene expression.

• They inhibit gene expression.

• They enhance gene expression.

• They delete genes from the DNA.

What can cause epigenetic changes that lead to disease?

• Drinking water.

• Regular exercise.

• A balanced diet.

• Chemical exposure and medication.

How do epigenetic changes influence cell development?

• They decrease the number of cells.

• They activate or inhibit specific genes.

• They change the DNA sequence.

• They increase the number of cells.

What is a potential outcome of environmentally-induced epigenetic changes?

• They can lead to identical twins having the same traits.

• They can lead to diseases like cancer.

• They can make DNA sequences identical.

• They can prevent cell division.

How can lifestyle choices affect the epigenome?

• They can permanently change the DNA sequence.

• They can influence the chemical tags on DNA.

• They can increase the number of genes.

• They can decrease the number of genes.

What is a possible way epigenetic traits can be passed to the next generation?

• Through changes in eye color.

• Through changes in blood type.

• Through surviving epigenetic marks.

• Through changes in the DNA sequence.

What is the potential benefit of understanding the epigenome?

• To change the DNA sequence.

• To influence the epigenome for better health.

• To decrease the number of genes.

• To increase the number of genes.