Epigenetics: Investigating the Structure & Function of Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)
Interdisciplinary Investigations (IDI) Chemistry 121 This Investigation: Introduction DNA Function & Epigenetics Structure of DNA Epigenetics
What did you find most interesting about each video? Pre-Lab Discussion What did you find most interesting about each video?
A. 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
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 A!
B. Predicting Shape and Interpreting Chemical Representations of Multi-Central Atom Molecules 15 minutes
C. Parts of the DNA Molecule
C: Parts of the DNA Molecule Sugar Nitrogenous Bases 20 minutes
D. Linking Through Chemical Bonds
The Phosphodiester Bond
DNA Double Helix 20 minutes
E. Focus on Cytosine Find your model of cytosine that you built earlier. Where does the methyl group go when methylation occurs? Add this to your model. methyl group
DNA methylation silences genes. E. Focus on Cytosine DNA methylation silences genes.
Impacts of DNA Methylation How does methylation of DNA “silence” a gene? Why is this a significant event in terms of leading to disease?
Impacts of DNA Methylation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NVBsPfOtT8
DNA Methylation: Let’s Watch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29doT6Hf2MI&list=PLU1BVhkEIXAHNboZCjPi2dovL1N9EazoJ
Impacts of DNA Methylation