Conceptual Understanding
this field of biology studies changes in gene expression that do not alter the DNA sequence itself
what is epigenetics?
Identical twins with the same DNA may develop different diseases later in life because of differences in this.
What are epigenetic changes (or gene expression differences)?
Unlike mutations, epigenetic changes do not alter this molecule’s base sequence.
what is DNA?
this chemical process often turns genes off by adding small methyl groups to DNA
what is DNA methylation?
In honeybees, larvae fed royal jelly develop into queens instead of workers because royal jelly changes this.
What is gene expression (through epigenetic modification)?
If environmental stress changes gene expression without changing DNA, this classic debate becomes more complex.
What is the idea that traits are determined only by genetics (or what is the nature vs. nurture debate)?
if every gene in a cell were expressed at the same time, cells would lose this important biological property that allows them to perform specialized functions
what is cell differentiation (or specialization)?
Turning off a tumor-suppressor gene through methylation can lead to this disease, even without a mutation in the DNA sequence.
what is cancer?
A researcher discovers that a specific gene linked to diabetes is highly methylated in adults who experienced malnutrition in early childhood. The DNA sequence of the gene is unchanged.
what is the thought that early environmental conditions can influence long term health by altering gene expression?