nature vs nurture: epigenetics

Nature vs nurture:

Epigenetics

What is epigenetics?

Epigenetic processes

control whether a gene

is switched on or off

(gene expression),

without altering the

underlying DNA

sequence

They include

modifications to the

DNA complex (DNA

methylation or histone

modification) and the

action of non-protein

coding gene products

(non-coding RNAs)

Why is it important? Epigenetic processes

enable a single cell

(fertilised egg) to

produce all of the

different cell types

required to form a

whole new new person

Throughout our lives

removal (-) & re-

establishment (+) of

epigenetic marks drive

key developmental

changes, beginning

even before conception

(with generation of an

egg and sperm) and

continuing through early

life into adulthood

How can it be useful? Environmental factors can induce epigenetic changes, allowing us to adapt

to our environment more rapidly than through the natural selection of genetic

mutations

If these changes exceed the ability of the cell to maintain a normal

equilibrium, harmful health effects can occur (so-called epigenetic toxicity)

Such epigenetic changes can be passed onto our children and

grandchildren, leading to multigenerational epigenetic toxicity

How can it be useful?

For many years tests

and regulations have

protected the public

against chemicals that

cause genetic

mutations

Concern remains over

environmental

chemicals/factors that

are linked with disease,

but do not cause

genetic mutations

Epigenetic tools may

therefore help to

improve safety

regulations and policies

What research is PHE doing?

Marczylo EL et al (2016) DOI: 10.1080/10408444.2016.1175417

Nature vs nurture:

Epigenetics

QUIZ

Nature vs nurture: Epigenetics

Question 1:

Which of these is not an epigenetic process?

A) Histone modification

C) DNA methylation

B) DNA mutation

D) Non-coding RNAs

WARNING: ANSWER ON NEXT PAGE!


Question 1:

Which of these is not an epigenetic process?

A) Histone modification

C) DNA methylation

B) DNA mutation

D) Non-coding RNAs


Question 2:

Which scientist coined the term epigenetics?

A) Charles Darwin

C) Conrad Waddington

B) Francis Crick

D) James Watson



Question 3:

In what year was the term epigenetics first used?

A) 1942

C) 1982

B) 1962

D) 2002



Question 4:

Which lifestyle factors can induce epigenetic changes?

A) Smoking

C) Alcohol

B) Diet

D) All of the above


Question 5:

Which of these facts about epigenetic changes is false?

A) They can be

inherited

C) They continually occur

throughout our lives

B) They include DNA

mutations

D) They control which genes

are switched on/off



Question 6:

Diseases associated with altered epigenetic processes

include?

A) Obesity

C) Cancer

B) Infertility

D) All of the above


For more information contact:

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nature vs nurture: epigenetics

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