Epigenetics

ONE of biology’s hottest topics is epigenetics. The term itself covers a multitude of sins. Strictly speaking, it refers to the regulation of gene expression by the chemical modification of DNA, or of the histone proteins in which DNA is usually wrapped. This modification is either the addition of methyl groups (a carbon atom and three hydrogens) to the DNA or of acetyl groups (two carbons, three hydrogens and an oxygen) to the histones. Methylation switches genes off. Acetylation switches them on

What is Epigenetics? The word “epigenetic” means “in addition to changes in genetic sequence.” The term has changed to include any process that alters gene activity without changing the DNA sequence, and leads to modifications that can be transmitted to daughter cells. The term epigenetics was first used in the early 1940s, when embryologist Conrad Waddington used it to describe the interactions between genes and their products, which give rise to an organism’s observable characteristics or phenotype

INTRODUCTION Epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation and histone modifications are widely considered to be important in controlling the differentiation of cells. However some argue that since these mechanisms are not seen or transient in model organisms such as worms and flies that epigenetics cannot be important. However it is also important to mention that there are very different definitions of the word epigenetics formed from independent reasoning which may affect the debate on whether

environmental influences (nurture). Epigenetics, a term coined by Conrad Waddington (from Greek epi-, ‘over’, ‘outside of’, ‘around’) initially to mean “the branch of biology which studies the causal interactions

Epigenetics, involves the expression of phenotypical characteristics in an individual without directly altering the genetic code. Instead the phenotypes manifest through the use of external factors, such as, trauma, stressors, environment and chemical exposure that result in the silencing and alteration of gene expression without altering or mutating the genetic code. This essay will look into the importance of the study of epigenetics through the effects of epigenetics on genes, as well as the effects

example, anxiety and depression. These emotional symptoms might be brought about because of epigenetic mechanisms or alterations, for example, histone acetylation. Nicotine is a profoundly addictive part of tobacco. The chronic utilization of nicotine is believed to increment emotional side effects such as anxiety and depression. Anxiety and depression is seen in dependent smokers as withdrawal indications. Epigenetics is the study of alteration of gene expression which causes changes in an organism. Mechanisms

Epigenetics is the study of change in inherited genes without changing ones DNA as well as modifying genes that are transferred. Various factors such as aging, what we eat, lifestyles, exercising or even smoking can influence the change in epigenetics which is normal but can sometimes enhance diseases, behavior disorders and many other disorders that have been transferred either through pregnancy or carried on from previous generation into our DNA. These disorders can be shown at different stages

common diseases in the world, is a result of genetic and epigenetic mutations. Where genetics was at first used to explain phenotypes and disease, genetics alone could not explain the sheer amount of phenotypic diversity in a population—nor could it explain phenomenon such as how, “monozygotic twins or cloned animals [could] have different phenotypes and different susceptibilities to a disease.” Thus entered the field of epigenetics. Epigenetics is, “the study of heritable changes in gene expression

Embryonic epigenetic reprogramming by a transcription factor in plants Abstract: Epigenetic modifications have important roles in flowering which requires vernalization (cold winder) for many plants. Epigenetic marks that accumulated during vernalization need to be removed to ensure proper development of the offspring. However, the knowledge about the key gene required for such resetting and the underlying mechanism is limited. Here, the author demonstrated that LEAFY COTYLEDONI (LEC1) could de

it can do for us but, thanks to the works of Dr. Conrad H. Waddington “Epigenetic Landscape” 1939, which was followed up and expanded on by Dr. Adrian Bird and Danny Reinberg (1975~) we know that it does exist and it has far reaching implications for future development in medical research and biological development fields.  Risk assessment  Prevention  Progression analysis  Prognosis and biomarker development Epigenetics ~ is the term coined to explain a variety of “bizarre” phenotypic phenomena