6. What is the epigenome

Question

6. What is the epigenome. Explain why the study of the epigenome may not follow normal Mendelian genetics

Answer 1

Epigenome is the association of protein  factors to the genome  in a manner that regulated gene-expression in cell type specific manner. The protein factors (methyl and/or acetyl groups) are either associated with DNA or with histone proteins that package DNA as nucleosomes in chromatin.

 

In the same individual, epigenome of muscle cell and neural cell would differ due to differential methylation. In contrast, genome in both cell types would remain same.

 

Therefore, epigenetic studies do not follow the same path of regular Mendelian genetic of defined recessive or dominant traits.

 

Hope this helps.