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Related Concept Videos

Genomic Imprinting and Inheritance02:30

Genomic Imprinting and Inheritance

Diploid organisms inherit genetic material through chromosomes from both parents. Copies of the same gene are known as alleles. In most cases, both alleles are simultaneously expressed and allow various cellular processes to function optimally. If one of the alleles is missing or mutated, the expression of the other allele can compensate; however, this is not true for all genes.
The expression of some genes depends on which parent passed the gene to the offspring, through a phenomenon known as...
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Epigenetics is the study of inherited changes in a cell's phenotype without changing the DNA sequences. It provides a form of memory for the differential gene expression pattern to maintain cell lineage, position-effect variegation, dosage compensation, and maintenance of chromatin structures such as telomeres and centromeres. For example, the structure and location of the centromere on chromosomes are epigenetically inherited. Its functionality is not dictated or ensured by the underlying DNA...
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Reprogramming alters the gene expression in somatic cells, transforming them into induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells over several generations. Scientists can reprogram cells by introducing genes for four transcription factors—Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, and c-Myc (OSKM) by viral or non-viral methods. These factors are also known as Yamanaka factors after Shinya Yamanaka, who first generated iPS cells using mouse skin cells. Yamanaka was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2012 for this...
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Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic changes alter the physical structure of the DNA without changing the genetic sequence and often regulate whether genes are turned on or off. This regulation ensures that each cell produces only proteins necessary for its function. For example, proteins that promote bone growth are not produced in muscle cells. Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
X-chromosome...
Epigenetic Regulation01:46

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.

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Epigenetic inheritance and plasticity: The responsive germline.

Eva Jablonka1

  • 1Cohn Institute for the History and Philosophy of Science and Ideas, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel. jablonka@post.tau.ac.il

Progress in Biophysics and Molecular Biology
|September 15, 2012
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Germline epigenetic plasticity enables rapid micro-evolutionary changes and novel adaptations. This capacity for heritable epigenetic variation influences evolution at multiple scales, impacting evolvability and adaptive responses.

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Epigenetics
  • Developmental Biology

Background:

  • Developmental plasticity allows a single genotype to produce diverse phenotypes, influencing evolutionary rates.
  • Epigenetic mechanisms, particularly in germline cells, play a crucial role in mediating this plasticity and influencing heritable variation.
  • Germline epigenetic plasticity enhances evolvability by generating selectable phenotypic variations, including those leading to novel functions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the role of germline epigenetic plasticity in evolutionary dynamics.
  • To discuss how epigenetic inheritance in germline cells contributes to adaptive responses and evolution.
  • To highlight the impact of epigenetically generated heritable variations on micro- and macro-evolutionary processes.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent ecological studies and evolutionary models.
  • Analysis of research on germline epigenetic inheritance and its effects.
  • Examination of studies on epigenome repatterning under genomic and environmental stress.

Main Results:

  • Germline epigenetic inheritance can drive rapid, semi-directional micro-evolutionary changes.
  • "Priming" and "epigenetic learning" are identified as key mechanisms for generating adaptive responses.
  • Genomic and environmental stresses can induce saltational epigenome changes.

Conclusions:

  • Germline epigenetic plasticity is a significant factor in evolutionary processes, influencing both the rate and direction of adaptation.
  • Heritable epigenetic variations generated through germline mechanisms impact evolution across different scales.
  • Epigenetic inheritance provides a mechanism for rapid adaptation and the generation of novel traits.