Question

Question 3.1--Context-dependent epigenetic modifications

A) can persist in multiple generations as long as each generation is directly exposed to the experience.

B) are imprinted onto the genome.

C) are consistent regardless of whether the organism was directly exposed to the experience.

D) occur only during the prenatal period.

Question 3.2--- What evidence supports the idea that oxytocin critically regulates the onset of maternal behavior?

A) Oxytocin is released into the bloodstream at birth.

B) Interference with oxytocin activity disrupts the onset of maternal behavior.

C) Oxytocin receptor distribution changes at birth.

D) Oxytocin is released into the bloodstream during mother-infant interactions.

Answer 1

There are two types of epigenetics

1)Context-dependent

2)Germline dependent

Based on the Literature, context dependent mutation are

# induced by environment e.g. heavy metals, chemicals etc and persist as long as the continuous exposure exists.

# The context dependent epigenetic can be reversed by removing the factors which are responsible for it. It also does not last in next generation if the causative factors are removed

# it can occur during prenatal period as well as during the life time of individual and propagate through mitotic epigentic inheritance in somatic cells.

# In general genomic imprinting is kind of epigenetic modification that regulates the gene expression which depends on the parent of origin specific manner. The markers of genomic imprinting occurs in the germline cells which is propagated through mitotic divisions in somatic cells. However, the context dependent epigentics is not specific to germline cells and can be sporadic in nature when the individual is exposed to certain chemicals or environmental factors.

Hence answer to Q 3.1

A) can persist in multiple generations as long as each generation is directly exposed to the ................................................................................................................................................................

experience.

Apart from the Oxytocin , there are many hormones whose levels is increased during birth

such as oestrogen, progesterone, prolactin

Hence the most likelihood answer for Question 3.2-is

B) Interference with oxytocin activity disrupts the onset of maternal behavior.

which will provide the critical evidence that amonsgt all the hormones, oxytocin plays critical role at the onset of maternal behaviour

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