Transcript Epigenetics

Also consider using http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTBg6hqeuTg
Epigenetics
Let’s go to the video!
Youtube link –
13:39 – 27:04
1. What is epigenetics?
2. How is the DNA changed?
3. Why would these changes take place?
4. What are some examples of epigenetics?
Epigenetics Part 2
Let’s go to the audio slideshow!
Must open in Google Chrome
5. These Agouti mice are identical
twins?! How did the researchers
make this happen?
6. How are these mice an example
of epigenetics?
Epigenetics Part 3
Let’s go to the animations!
7. This link describes the connection
between nurture and gene
expression
- Do “Lick Your Rats” –
“Investigate” all 4 sections first!
- Then choose “Lick a rat pup”).
What is the connection between how
the mothers treated their pups and
the pups’ genes?
Epigenetics Part 4
Let’s go to the first article!
8. The research presented in this
article is used as evidence to
support epigenetics. How does
environment play a role in gene
expression in this article?
Epigenetics Part 5
Let’s go to the second paper!
Epigenetics Part 5
Let’s go to the second paper!
9. The research presented in this
article is used as evidence to
support epigenetics. What
surprising results did they find in
studying the families of
Norrbrotten, Sweden? (Here’s a
link to a more detailed version).
Stress
protein
GR
gene
ATAGCA
ON
(no –CH3)
GR
protein
ATAGCA
GR
protein
NO
STRESS
Stress
protein
CH3
GR
gene
Digested
stress protein
OFF
No GR
protein
STRESS!
What causes a gene to be methylated or not?
1. Nurture – Mouse mothers; GR gene
2. Nutrition – Agouti mice; yellow and obsese vs. brown and skinny
3. Chemicals – BPA in water bottles
4. Your own body – ESC’s turning on/off genes to become different cell types
5. ??????? – ARTICLE 1
Really odd:
These methyl tags can “stick around” for:
1. entire life
2. through generations – ARTICLE 2