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?

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

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

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!

Part 2: IDI Challenge On your white board, make a group drawing that represents your thinking about how methylation of DNA “silences” 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: Intro to Epigenetics The Structure & Discovery of DNA DNA Function Methylation Drawing Activity

How do we detect DNA methylation? We use CHEMISTRY!

How do we detect DNA methylation? We use CHEMISTRY!

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

Structure, Function, and the Value of Visualization: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJyUtbn0O5Y

Challenge: Let’s Draw Again! On your white board, make a drawing that represents your thinking about how methylation of DNA “silences” a gene?

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