Question

Can epigenetics be beneficial? How?

Which epigenetic modification involves methylation?

What is the difference between Prader Willy and Angelman syndromes?

Answer 1

1. Epigenetics can be beneficial as it is the study of heritable changes in the gene expression that do not involve alteration in the DNA sequence - change in phenotype is noted without a change in genotype.

• human beings are exposed to variety of environmental toxins on a daily basis and this will cause change in the epigenome.
• lifestyle factors like diet, exercise , obesity etc. modifies epigenetic patterns. for example physical exercise produce epigenetic mutation and this is beneficial to health.

2. DNA methylation is an epigenetic mechanism consisting of addition of methyl group to DNA , which modify the function of the gene. when the CpG in the promoter region of the gene is methylated , gene expression is suppressed.

3.Prader willy is due to deletion of paternal copy or UPD of chromosome 15q11-q13. language , motor and developmental delays present

Angelman syndrome is due to deletion of maternal copy or UPD of chromosome 15q11-q13. severe mental retardation, speeech delay,seizure present.