Epigenetics: Investigating the Structure & Function of Deoxyribonucleic Acid

Interdisciplinary Investigations (IDI) Chemistry 161 Chemistry 162 Chemistry 163 Epigenetics This Investigation:   Day 1 Pre-Lab Discussion Part 1: Structure and Function of DNA Part 2: IDI Challenge 1 Day 2 Part 3: Seminar Part 4: IDI Challenge 2 Part 5: Post-lab Assignment

What did you find most interesting about each video? Pre-Lab Discussion What did you find most interesting about each video?

E. Functions of DNA DNA Replication: Gene Expression: DNA must be accurately copied to allow for the production of new cells during growth, repair, and reproduction. Gene Expression: Specific regions of DNA, called genes, must convey information to allow cells to build the needed proteins through transcription and translation.

Functions of DNA DNA Replication:

DNA Replication: Let’s Watch http://www.youtube.com/v/4jtmOZaIvS0

Functions of DNA Gene Expression

Epigenetics and DNA Methylation: Do all your cells have the same DNA? Do all your cells use all their DNA? Why or why not?

All Our Cells Work From Essentially the Same Genome/DNA Template. Thus cells must be able to regulate which genes they use.

Epigenetics and DNA Methylation: Differential gene expression allows different cell types to adopt different fates. Mistakes in gene regulation are associated with a variety of diseases, especially cancer.

Gene Regulation Plays an Important Role in Many Diseases

Part 1 A-C: Parts of the DNA Molecule Sugar Nitrogenous Bases

Polarity of G & C Bases

D. Linking Through Chemical Bonds

The Phosphodiester Bond

DNA Double Helix

DNA Methylation DNA methylation silences genes. This reaction is enzyme-mediated. DNA methylation silences genes. Write down your ideas for the three questions in Part E!

How might the methylation of DNA silence (turn off) a gene? Part 2: IDI Challenge Work with your group to create a model (drawing) to address the question below.  Your drawing should pull together key ideas from two or more disciplines and be able to clearly communicate your hypothesis.   Remember that creativity is essential to good science!  Your model does not need to be correct-- just well supported! Question: How might the methylation of DNA silence (turn off) a gene? Be sure to capture your drawing as a photograph for your post-lab report!

Part 3: Seminar Assignment For Next Week: Read these two articles: “A New Kind of Inheritance”, Scientific American, 2014 “Ancestral dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) exposure promotes epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of obesity” BMC Medicine, 2013. 2. Write a summary of the articles. 3. Write three questions 4. Bring the summary and questions with you to class and be prepared to participate in an in-class seminar

Day 2 Agenda: Hybridization of Cytosine A Bit More on Epigenetics Your Seminar Your Drawing, version 2!

Focus on Cytosine Use the model kit to build the cytosine molecule again. Where does the methyl group go when methylation occurs? Add this to your model. On your handout from last week, add hybridization to your cytosine molecule and label pi bonds.

How do we detect DNA methylation? We use CHEMISTRY!

How do we detect DNA methylation? We use CHEMISTRY!

Impacts of DNA Methylation

Next: Your Seminar Find your team! Introductions and Roles. Discuss the papers, using your questions as a guide. Report out!

How might the methylation of DNA silence (turn off) a gene? Day 2: IDI Challenge Work with your group to create a model (drawing) to address the question below.  Your drawing should pull together key ideas from two or more disciplines and be able to clearly communicate your hypothesis.   Remember that creativity is essential to good science!  Your model does not need to be correct-- just well supported! Question: How might the methylation of DNA silence (turn off) a gene? Be sure to capture your drawing as a photograph for your post-lab report!

DNA Methylation: Let’s Watch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29doT6Hf2MI&list=PLU1BVhkEIXAHNboZCjPi2dovL1N9EazoJ