What exactly is the field of "epigenetics," and how can epigenetics affect the function of the body's cells?


Epigenetics is the study of how genes are expressed without associated changes in the DNA sequence. Some genes are not made into proteins all of the time so there are active mechanisms to "silence" these genes. Histone proteins associated with DNA as well as methyl groups that can bind to the DNA directly can silence genes. Epigenetics examines how and when genes are silenced. For example, proteins needed for cell division are silenced when cells do not have to divide. Genes for hemoglobin protein production are silenced in nerve cells.

Nutritional Science

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A weight-reduction program should be considered successful only when the weight loss ________.

A. is maintained B. results in a BMI of below 25 C. exceeds 10% of starting weight D. All of these choices are correct.

Nutritional Science

Which of the following hypothesis suggest that we eat more total kcal because our body is trying to meet our genetically programmed protein target?

A. the set-point hypothesis B. the protein leverage hypothesis C. thrifty gene hypothesis D. the drifty gene hypothesis

Nutritional Science

The nephrotic syndrome results in:

a. decreased blood pH. b. increased blood albumin. c. decreased LDL and VLDL. d. increased risk for blood clots.

Nutritional Science

Describe the differences among the stages of alcoholic liver disease

What will be an ideal response?

Nutritional Science