Epigenetics Flashcards
1
Q
Define epigenetics.
A
Heritable changes in gene expression that occur without alterations in DNA sequence.
2
Q
What type of DNA and chromosome modifications are considered to be important in epigenetics?
A
- Due to modifications of the DNA, primarily methylation: increased DNA methylation turns off gene expression.
- And modifications of the histones: proteins that complex with DNA: DNA wraps around histones to form chromatin to form the tightly coiled chromosome. Histone acetylation often turns on gene expression.
