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Epigenetics. Honors Biology. Twins: Identical or Fraternal?. What is Epigenetics?. Epi = “on top of” Genetics = genetic make up of an organism Epigenetics… what factors, on top of genes, impact our genetic make up. Same genes, different phenotypes. A Tale of Two Mice – part I.
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Epigenetics Honors Biology
What is Epigenetics? • Epi = “on top of” • Genetics = genetic make up of an organism • Epigenetics… what factors, on top of genes, impact our genetic make up
Same genes, different phenotypes • A Tale of Two Mice – part I
What does it mean to say that two individuals are genetically identical? • How can two genetically identical mice look so different?
Condensed • Chromatin Hydrogen Bonds (between bases) Decondensed Chromatin Nucleotide (consists of a base, a 5-carbon sugar, and a phosphate group) Phosphodiester Bond (between adjacent nucleotides)
What is Epigenetics? • Refers to changes in gene expression caused by mechanisms other than changes in the underlying DNA sequence • Enables a cell/organism to respond to its dynamic external environment during development and throughout life! • Epigenetic changes to the genome can be inherited if these changes occur in cells giving rise to gametes
Two Epigenetic Mechanisms Histone Modifications DNA Methylation Video
1. Histone modification • If the way that DNA is wrapped around the histones changes, gene expression can change (transcription)
2. DNA methylation • The addition of methyl groups to DNA can also change gene expression (transcription)
A Tale of Two Mice – part II • Complete Step 3 on Student Worksheet
A Tale of Two Mice – parts III-V • Finish Steps 4-5 on Student Worksheet