Epigenetics and non Inheritance L12

These flashcards cover key concepts related to epigenetics, inheritance mechanisms, and the genetic influences of environmental factors as discussed in the lecture.

X chromosome activation

A biological process in which one of the X chromosomes in female mammals is randomly inactivated to ensure dosage compensation.

Dosage compensation

A mechanism to equalize the gene expression between males (XY) and females (XX) which involves the inactivation of one X chromosome.

Methylation

An epigenetic modification where a methyl group is added to DNA, typically leading to gene expression repression.

Acetylation

An epigenetic modification involving the addition of an acetyl group to histones, generally associated with increased gene expression.

Extracellular inheritance

The transmission of genetic material that occurs outside the nucleus, such as through mitochondria or chloroplasts.

Linker genes

Genes located close together on a chromosome that are inherited together.

BPA (Bisphenol A)

A synthetic chemical commonly found in plastics that can disrupt normal hormonal signaling and gene expression.

Chronological stress

A type of stress experienced over a prolonged period, which can lead to epigenetic changes impacting future generations.

Epigenetic markers

Chemical modifications on DNA or histones that regulate gene expression without altering the underlying DNA sequence.

Linkage group

A set of genes on the same chromosome that tend to be inherited together due to their proximity.

Thomas Hunt Morgan

A geneticist who discovered the principle of sex-linked inheritance and won a Nobel Prize for his work on linkage groups.

Chloroplast inheritance

The maternal inheritance of chloroplast genes in plants, impacting traits such as pigmentation.

Extranuclear inheritance

Inheritance of genetic material located outside the nucleus, predominantly in plastids or mitochondria.

Mitochondrial diseases

Disorders caused by dysfunctional mitochondria, often inherited matrilineally, affecting energy production.

Three-parent embryo

A reproductive technique involving the combination of nuclear DNA from two parents and mitochondrial DNA from a donor.

Gene expression

The process where the information encoded in a gene is used to produce a functional gene product, usually proteins.

Gene mapping

The process of determining the location of genes on a chromosome and understanding their relationships.

Recombination frequency

The likelihood that recombination will occur between two genes during meiosis, which decreases as the distance between the genes increases.

Epigenetic effects of diet

Impacts on gene expression resulting from changes in dietary intake that affect methylation patterns.

Chronic stress impact

Long-term stress that has been linked to epigenetic changes in offspring, potentially affecting their health.

Inheritance patterns

The transmission of traits and characteristics from parents to offspring, which can sometimes defy classical Mendelian genetics.