Epigenetics is the study of heritable changes in gene expression that occur without alterations to the underlying DNA sequence. These changes are mediated by mechanisms like DNA methylation, histone modification, and microRNA and can be influenced by environmental factors. While identical twins have the same DNA, differences in lifestyle and health habits over time can result in variations in how their genes are expressed through epigenetic modifications.

1. Epigenetics
Olivia Lee

2. WHAT IS EPIGENETICS?
• the study of heritable changes that occur
without a change in the DNA sequence

3. TECHNIQUES
• Methylation
• Acetylation
• Phosphorylation

4. DNA METHYLATION
• Cons
– May require high DNA input
– May require a long protocol
– Requires salt elutions
– Does not give single base methylation resolution
data
• Pros
– Well-studied
– Does not require denaturation
– Compatible with array-based analysis
– Applicable for high throughput sequencing

5. WHAT DOES IT DO?
• The field of epigenetics adds new fuel to this
issue by shedding light on how environment,
nutrition and social conditions affect how
genes are expressed.

6. EXAMPLE
• You have identical twins,
which means everything
about their DNA is the same.
• 30 years later the twins see
each other.
• One has been smoking for
the last 10 years and obese.
The other is healthy and fit.
• The twin with the bad habits has altered how his or her
genes are expressed.
• Both of their DNA however remains the same

7. HERE’S THE BREAKDOWN
• Epigenetics - YouTube