1. Epigenetics: Investigating the Structure & Function of Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)

2. Interdisciplinary Investigations (IDI)
Chemistry 121
This Investigation:
Day 1:
Introduction DNA Function & Epigenetics
Structure of DNA
Day 2:
Seminar on Scientific American Article
Epigenetics

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

4. 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.

5. Functions of DNA
DNA Replication:

6. DNA Replication: Let’s Watch

7. Functions of DNA
Gene Expression

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

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

10. 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.

11. Gene Regulation Plays an Important Role in Many Diseases

12. 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!

13. B. Predicting Shape and Interpreting Chemical Representations of Multi-Central Atom Molecules
15 minutes

14. C. Parts of the DNA Molecule

15. C: Parts of the DNA Molecule
Sugar
Nitrogenous Bases
20 minutes

17. D. Linking Through Chemical Bonds

18. The Phosphodiester Bond

19. DNA Double Helix
20 minutes

20. 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

21. DNA methylation silences genes.
E. Focus on Cytosine
DNA methylation silences genes.

22. Impacts of DNA Methylation
How does methylation of DNA “silence” a gene?
Why is this a significant event in terms of leading to disease?

23. Impacts of DNA Methylation

24. DNA Methylation: Let’s Watch

25. Impacts of DNA Methylation