DNA methylation, histone modification, and epigenetic inheritance concepts tested at the introductory genetics level.
30 cards · basic cards · AI-written, checked twice. Edit anything.
- What is the general definition of epigenetics?
Show answer
Heritable changes in gene expression that occur without altering the underlying DNA sequence- What term describes the complete set of epigenetic modifications present in a cell?
Show answer
The epigenome- What chemical modification involves adding a methyl group to cytosine bases, typically at CpG dinucleotides?
Show answer
DNA methylation- What is the general effect of DNA methylation on a promoter region's gene expression?
Show answer
It typically silences (represses) gene expression- What term describes clusters of CpG dinucleotides often found near gene promoters that are important sites of methylation regulation?
Show answer
CpG islands- What enzyme family adds methyl groups to DNA to establish or maintain methylation patterns?
Show answer
DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs)- What is the resulting chemical product when a methyl group is added to cytosine in DNA?
Show answer
5-methylcytosine- What histone modification generally loosens chromatin structure and is associated with increased gene expression?
Show answer
Histone acetylation- What enzyme adds acetyl groups to histones, generally activating gene transcription?
Show answer
Histone acetyltransferase (HAT)- What enzyme removes acetyl groups from histones, generally leading to gene silencing?
Show answer
Histone deacetylase (HDAC)- Can histone methylation either activate or repress gene expression depending on which residue is modified?
Show answer
Yes, unlike acetylation, histone methylation's effect on expression depends on the specific amino acid residue and degree of methylation- What term describes loosely packed, transcriptionally active chromatin?
Show answer
Euchromatin- What term describes tightly packed, transcriptionally silent chromatin?
Show answer
Heterochromatin- What process involves ATP-dependent complexes repositioning nucleosomes to change DNA accessibility?
Show answer
Chromatin remodeling- What X-linked epigenetic process randomly silences one of the two X chromosomes in each cell of a female mammal?
Show answer
X-chromosome inactivation
FlashKeepers