Epigenetics Flashcards
1
Q
what is epigenetics
A
the study of cellular and physiological traits that are NOT caused by changes in the DNA sequence.
» so heritable changes in the pattern of gene expression that occur without a change in the sequence of nuclear DNA
2
Q
can epigenetic changes be reversed
A
they are reversible in contrast to genetic mutations being hardly rectified
3
Q
what is the structure of the nucleosome
A
it is composed of DNA and four core histones, H2A, H2B, H3 and H4. so the dna (~150 base pairs) is wrapped around a core of histones.
4
Q
what is a histone
A
any of a group of basic proteins found in chromatin.
5
Q
what is a chromatin
A
a mixture of DNA and proteins that form the chromosomes within the nucleus
