what is epigenetics
the study of changes in gene activity that doesnt stem from mutations
purpose of epigenetics
allows for rapid adaptations to environmental danger
two ways to change DNA
methylation and histone acetylation
what is DNA methylation
the addition of a methyl group to cytosine bases in DNA. make DNA condensed and unreadable, essentially switching it off
what is histone acetylation
the addition of an acetyl group to histones. causes DNA to loosen and turns it on
what is alternative splicing
a process during intron/exon spicing that allows for different genes
types of alternative splicing
E₁ - I₁ - E₂ - I₂ - E₃ (E = exon, I = intron)
Normal Splicing > E₁ - E₂ - E₃
Skip Splicing > E₁ - E₃
Intron Inclusion Splicing > E₁ - E₂ - I₂ - E₃