Beyond+The+Genome

Is the path always clear from gene to trait? In this assignment you will gain insight into the field of epigenetics and learn how factors beyond the A,C,G,T order affect organisms traits.

1) Check out the [|PBS NOVA Epigenetics] site. Watch the segment and follow through the three activities. 2) Read the article [|DNA Is Not Destiny _ Living World _ DISCOVER Magazine.pdf] and answer the questions. DNA is not Destiny Article – Questions


 * 1) What are characteristics that describe agouti mice?
 * 2) Describe the experiment performed by Randy Jirtle and Robert Waterland at Duke.
 * 3) What is the “epigenome”?
 * 4) How do epigenetic changes physically block access to genes by altering the histone code?
 * 5) Describe the epigenetic effects of green tea, as published by Ming Zhu Fang.
 * 6) Describe the experiment that Meaney performed on adult humans investigating how the mother-child relationship may have an affect on brain development.
 * 7) Does the research supporting epigenetics favor the nature or nurture side of the debate? Explain.

Definitions to help: Germ line – your germ cells are the sperm or eggs (gametes). Hippocampus – region of the brain associated with learning and spatial orientation. Nature vs. Nurture debate – the argument over which has a greater affect on an individuals personality and who they become: Nature (your genes) or nurture (how you were raised/life experiences).