In: Biology
Which of the following is true?
Group of answer choices
The DNA genome is fixed (set and unchanging); the epigenome is modifiable during an individual's life
The DNA genome is fixed (set and unchanging); the epigenome is fixed (set and unchanging) during an individual's life
The DNA genome is modifialbe; the epigenome is modifiable during an individual's life
The DNA genome is modifiable; the epigenome is fixed (set and unchanging) during an individual's life
What is the epigenome?
Group of answer choices
Modifiable chemical tags covering DNA and histone proteins.
The genes within the microbes that live in and on the body.
The genes contained within the cells of the foods we eat.
A set of genes that is injected into people to cause the production of new characteristics.
Answer 1: The true statement is,‘ The DNA genome is fixed ( set and unchanging) ; the epigenome is modifiable during an individual’s life’
Explanation: a genome is complete set of genes, the DNA of an organism which the organism has inherited from the parents, it does not change during one’s life time. There could be minor changes taking place due to mutations but they are normally repaired and hence do not cause genotype changes in the organism. While epigenome is the one which is responsible for the expression of the genes or non-expression of the genes depending on the type of cell in the body and depending on the need of the cell.
Components of epigenomic responses are DNA methylation, chromatin remodelling and imprinting.
DNA methylation: In DNA methylation, specific proteins attach methyl groups to the DNA molecule at specific sites and turn on the expression of the gene or turn off the expression of the gene.
Chromatin remodelling: DNA is wound around histones in order to be packaged in the nucleus. Expression of genes depend on tightness of binding of DNA to the histones. In chromatin remodelling, histone modification is done by the proteins by attaching chemical tags to histone and indirectly controlling the expression of the genes.
Imprinting: the genes are expressed in an individual depending on whether they are inherited from mother or the father.
Epigenome can change in a life time of the person because of the environmental conditions or the life style of the individual. Epigenome can change expression of the genes such that the genes affect cell growth leading to cancer.
Answer 2: Epigenome are modifiable chemical tags covering DNA and histone protein.
Explanation: Epigenome can be defined as chemical tags which modify DNA and its associated structures like histones and in turn modify the expression of the genes. The epigenomes are influenced by the cellular, extracellular and environmental changes, hence though the DNA genome remains consistant the epigenome gives the flexible response depending on the changes in the surrounding and leads to changing gene expressions.