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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...
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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.
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In 1866, Gregor Mendel published the results of his pea plant breeding experiments, providing evidence for predictable patterns in the inheritance of physical characteristics. The significance of his findings was not immediately recognized. In fact, the existence of genes was unknown at the time. Mendel referred to hereditary units as “factors.”
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Among all the organelles in an animal cell, only mitochondria have their own independent genomes. Animal mitochondrial DNA is a double-stranded, closed-circular molecule with around 20,000 base pairs. Mitochondrial DNA is unique in that one of its two strands, the heavy, or H, -strand is guanine rich, whereas the complementary strand is cytosine rich and called the light, or L, -strand. Compared to nuclear DNA, mitochondrial DNA has a very low percentage of non-coding regions and is marked by...
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Epigenetic transgenerational inheritance, gametogenesis and germline development†.

Millissia Ben Maamar1, Eric E Nilsson1, Michael K Skinner1

  • 1Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA.

Biology of Reproduction
|April 30, 2021
PubMed
Summary

Epigenetics critically regulates gametogenesis, influencing how environmental factors impact offspring traits. This review explores epigenetic roles in sperm and egg development and transgenerational inheritance.

Keywords:
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Area of Science:

  • Developmental Biology
  • Epigenetics
  • Reproductive Biology

Background:

  • Gametes (sperm and egg) are crucial for transmitting traits and physiology across generations.
  • Epigenetics, regulated by the environment, influences cellular and organismal physiology and phenotype, complementing genetic inheritance.
  • The interplay between genetics and epigenetics is fundamental to developmental biology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of epigenetics in male (spermatogenesis) and female (oogenesis) gametogenesis.
  • To outline the developmental stages from primordial germ cells to mature gametes.
  • To examine how environmental factors affect gametogenesis epigenetics and subsequent transgenerational inheritance.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of epigenetic mechanisms in gametogenesis.
  • Analysis of environmental influences on epigenetic modifications during germ cell development.
  • Synthesis of current understanding of epigenetic transgenerational inheritance.

Main Results:

  • Epigenetic mechanisms are integral throughout gametogenesis, from primordial germ cells to mature gametes.
  • Environmental factors can induce epigenetic changes during gametogenesis.
  • These environmentally influenced epigenetic changes can be transmitted across generations, affecting offspring phenotypes.

Conclusions:

  • Epigenetics plays a vital role in gametogenesis and reproductive success.
  • Environmental exposures can lead to epigenetic alterations with potential transgenerational consequences.
  • Understanding these epigenetic processes is key to comprehending inheritance and adaptation.