Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 16: Q 37. (page 416)

Changes in epigenetic modifications alter the accessibility and transcription of DNA. Describe how environmental stimuli, such as ultraviolet light exposure, could modify gene expression.

Short Answer

Expert verified

UV rays facilitate methylation and deacetylation of the genes that alter the accessibility and transcription of DNA.

Step by step solution

01

Introduction                                       

In cancer cells, epigenetic mechanisms that silence genes are frequently present. Silenced genes are linked to changes in the histone proteins and DNA. Cancer cells methylate cytosine DNA residues in CpG islands in the promoter region of silenced genes. The acetylation change that occurs when the genes are expressed in healthy cells is absent from the histone proteins surrounding this area.

02

2. Environmental Factors

Gene methylation and deacetylation may be brought on by environmental variables including UV rays, which may also affect DNA availability and transcription. Epigenetic mechanisms control the expression of genes involved in the onset of many different disorders, such as autism, allergies, and inflammatory diseases.



Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

How can external stimuli alter post-transcriptional control of gene expression?

In cancer cells, alteration to epigenetic modifications turns off genes that are normally expressed. Hypothetically, how could you reverse this process to turn these genes back on?

A mutation within the promoter region can alter the transcription of a gene. Describe how this can happen

Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus. Therefore, the genes in prokaryotic cells are:

a. all expressed, all of the time

b. transcribed and translated almost simultaneously

c. transcriptionally controlled because translation begins before transcription ends

d. b and c are both true

Alternative splicing has been estimated to occur in more than 95% of multi-exon genes. Which of the following is not an evolutionary advantage of alternative splicing? a. Alternative splicing increases diversity without increasing genome size. b. Different gene isoforms can be expressed in different tissues. c. Alternative splicing creates shorter mRNA transcripts. d. Different gene isoforms can be expressed during different stages of development.
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Biology Textbooks

Biological Processes

Read Explanation

Biological Molecules

Read Explanation

Microbiology

Read Explanation

Bioenergetics

Read Explanation

Cells

Read Explanation

Reproduction

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free