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CS92PROD
Epigenetics
MB&B 506
Fall 2017
Section: 01  
Crosslisting: MB&B 306

Basic genetics states that individuals with different DNA sequences express different traits. However, a large number of permanent and heritable changes to cells and organisms occur in the absence of changes to DNA sequence. Such epigenetic mechanisms explain a variety of disparate observations, including the ability of a zygote to develop into dozens of distinct cell types in multicellular organisms using one common DNA blueprint, the observation that grandchildren of individuals subject to famine have higher rates of metabolic defects, and the ability of neurons to mediate formation of long-term memories. In this course we will use a variety of examples from cell biology and genetics to examine the template-dependent processes governing the perpetuation of discrete phenotypes. Topics will include the molecular biology of prions (infectious proteins) and environment-induced alterations in gene expression that may be transmitted to offspring.
Credit: 1 Gen Ed Area Dept: NSM MB&B
Course Format: LectureGrading Mode: Graded
Level: GRAD Prerequisites: None
Fulfills a Requirement for: (BIOL)(MB&B)
Past Enrollment Probability: 50% - 74%

Last Updated on DEC-04-2024
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