Chapter 16, Problem 1CONQ

Summary Introduction

To review:

The definition of epigenetics and if epigenetic changes are passed on from the parent to the offspring.

Introduction:

The term epigenetics was given by Conrad Waddington in 1941. Epigenetics explores the field of genetics in which changes are observed in gene expressions. These expressions are important in establishing the gene activation for many generations. There are different types of epigenetic modifications and this leads to the formation of different gene expressions.

Explanation of Solution

The definition of epigenetics is the study of gene mechanisms that lead to changes in these expressions that can be passed on from one cell to the other. This type of effect does not involve changes in the sequence of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). This also called as epimutation which can be heritable. This effect begins with a specific event that causes a change in the gene expression. The main event in epigenetic effect is the maintenance of changes in the gene expressions.

In multicellular organisms, the epigenetic effect which is passed from the parent to the offspring is termed as epigenetic inheritance. This does not occur in all organisms. Not all of the epigenetic changes are passed from one generation to the next generation. For example, the effect which is seen in somatic cells, as the cells in lungs, would not be passed on from the parent to the offspring.

Conclusion

Therefore, it can be concluded that epigenetics is the study of gene expression from one cell to the other cell. The effect of epigenetics is seen in most of the organisms but in somatic cells like lung cells, the genes are not passed from the parent to the offspring.