epigenetics

Question 1

when does epistasis occur

Answer 1

when one gene interferes with or masks the expression of another gene

Question 2

what is a hypostatic gene

Answer 2

the gene thats masked in epistasis, it may still be there bu if not visable

Question 3

what is genetic diversity

Answer 3

the variety of genes and alleles within a population

Question 4

what is an adaptation

Answer 4

the process where a species becomes better suited to its surroundings over time through selection of beneficial traits

Question 5

what is epigenetics the study of

Answer 5

changes in gene expression that do not involve the changes in the dna sequence. the changes determine which genes are turned on or off, can be influenced by environmental factors, disease or lifestyle

Question 6

what is Epigenetic regulation

Answer 6

the control of gene activity through chemical modifications that do not change the DNA sequence. it just changes how genes are expressed

Question 7

what is cell differentiation

Answer 7

process where a stem cell becomes a specialised cell. certain cells are turned on and others are switched off, this is controlled by epigenetic mechanisms

Question 8

what is DNA methylation

Answer 8

like a chamical tag that cells put on DNA to help turn genes on or off

Question 9

how does environmental factors influence epigenetics

Answer 9

• factors like pollution, diet, and stress can change gene expression through epigenetics
• often reversible
• may be passed to future generations.​
• Air pollution and smoking can increase DNA methylation which silences
  protective genes.​
• improved diet and reduced stress can reverse some epigenetic marks.​

Question 10

how does infection effect epigenetics

Answer 10

​- viruses / bacteria can alter host epigenetics to suppress
immune responses.​
-Epigenetic drugs are being explored to restore immune function and fight
infections.​
- Infections can leave lasting epigenetic marks that affect future immune
responses.​

Question 11

how does cancer effect epigenetics

Answer 11

• DNA methylation is increased in cancer cells, this silences protective genes.​
• Non-coding RNAs can influence tumor growth.​
• Epigenetic therapies reverse harmful gene silencing and restore normal gene function.​
• epigenetic changes are potentially reversible

Question 12

what is the effect of epigenetics on fetal development

Answer 12

​- A mother’s diet, stress, and health can influence fetal gene expression through epigenetic changes.​
- Poor nutrition during pregnancy can lead to lifelong health effects in the child.​
- Some epigenetic marks are inherited from the mother and affect early development.​
- Prenatal care and proper nutrition can reduce epigenetic risks
to the fetus.​

Question 13

how are epigenetics used in animal care

Answer 13

• Environmental enrichment and diet can improve animal welfare by altering gene expression.​
• Stress in animals can be detected through epigenetic markers in blood or tissue.​
• Epigenetic tools are used to enhance productivity and disease resistance in livestock.​