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Epigenetic Regulation01:37

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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.
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Gene expression is a dynamic process that is significantly influenced by environmental factors. This interaction underlies the complex nature of biological development and the phenotypic differences observed among individuals, even among those with identical genetic makeups. Factors such as radiation, temperature, behavior, nutrition, and stress play pivotal roles in determining how genes are expressed. The concept of the reaction range is central to understanding this interaction. It posits...
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In addition to multiple alleles at the same locus influencing traits, numerous genes or alleles at different locations may interact and influence phenotypes in a phenomenon called epistasis. For example, rabbit fur can be black or brown depending on whether the animal is homozygous dominant or heterozygous at a TYRP1 locus. However, if the rabbit is also homozygous recessive at a locus on the tyrosinase gene (TYR), it will have an unshaded coat that appears white, regardless of its TYRP1...
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While every living organism has a genome of some kind (be it RNA, or DNA), there is considerable variation in the sizes of these blueprints. One major factor that impacts genome size is whether the organism is prokaryotic or eukaryotic. In prokaryotes, the genome contains little to no non-coding sequence, such that genes are tightly clustered in groups or operons sequentially along the chromosome. Conversely, the genes in eukaryotes are punctuated by long stretches of non-coding sequence.
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Genetic, epigenetic and exogenetic information in development and evolution.

Paul E Griffiths1

  • 1Department of Philosophy and Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia.

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|August 26, 2017
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This study defines biological information using Francis Crick's concepts, showing how genetic and epigenetic factors influence development and heredity. It proposes a scientific framework for understanding information flow in biological systems.

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epigeneticsgenetic informationspecificity

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Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Genetics
  • Information Theory

Background:

  • The concept of biological information in development and heredity lacks precise scientific definition.
  • Francis Crick's sequence hypothesis and central dogma offer a framework for understanding information transmission.
  • Existing models struggle to integrate genetic and non-genetic information sources.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To scientifically define biological information using an information-theoretic approach.
  • To analyze Francis Crick's concept of precise determination in molecular biology.
  • To extend this framework to include epigenetic and exogenetic factors in development and evolution.

Main Methods:

  • Utilizing an information-theoretic measure of causal specificity.
  • Applying Francis Crick's sense of information from his sequence hypothesis.
  • Analyzing information flow in transcription and translation processes.

Main Results:

  • Reconstruction of Crick's claims regarding information in transcription and translation.
  • Demonstration of the framework's applicability to non-coding DNA and epigenetic marks.
  • Establishment that epigenetic information is distinct from genetic information.

Conclusions:

  • Biological information can be scientifically defined using causal specificity.
  • Crick's framework provides a basis for understanding genetic, epigenetic, and exogenetic information.
  • Epigenetic and exogenetic factors play a crucial role in development and evolution, independent of genetic information.