Epigenetics and Gene Regulation Across the Lifespan
Big idea: This Grade 12 capstone connects chromatin accessibility, DNA methylation, histone modification, epigenetic memory, developmental plasticity to evaluate complex biological systems through evidence, uncertainty, responsible inference and real-world application.
Learning goals
- chromatin accessibility
- DNA methylation
- histone modification
- epigenetic memory
- developmental plasticity
Core concepts
The degree to which DNA is physically available to regulatory proteins and transcription machinery.
Covalent addition of methyl groups to DNA that can influence gene activity without changing nucleotide sequence.
Chemical marking of histone proteins that changes chromatin structure and recruitment of regulatory factors.
Persistence of a regulatory state through cell divisions even when the initiating signal is no longer present.
Capacity of one genotype to produce different phenotypes in response to conditions during development.