Table of contents

1. Introduction to Genetics51m
2. Mendel's Laws of Inheritance3h 37m
3. Extensions to Mendelian Inheritance2h 41m
4. Genetic Mapping and Linkage2h 28m
5. Genetics of Bacteria and Viruses1h 21m
6. Chromosomal Variation1h 48m
7. DNA and Chromosome Structure56m
8. DNA Replication1h 10m
9. Mitosis and Meiosis1h 34m
10. Transcription1h 0m
11. Translation58m
12. Gene Regulation in Prokaryotes1h 19m
13. Gene Regulation in Eukaryotes44m
14. Genetic Control of Development44m
15. Genomes and Genomics1h 50m
16. Transposable Elements47m
17. Mutation, Repair, and Recombination1h 6m
18. Molecular Genetic Tools19m
- Genetic Cloning
  9m
- Methods for Analyzing DNA
  9m
19. Cancer Genetics29m
- Overview of Cancer
  21m
- Cancer Mutations
  7m
20. Quantitative Genetics1h 26m
21. Population Genetics50m
- Hardy Weinberg
  19m
- Allelic Frequency Changes
  31m
22. Evolutionary Genetics29m

13. Gene Regulation in Eukaryotes

Epigenetics, Chromatin Modifications, and Regulation

Genetics

13. Gene Regulation in Eukaryotes

Epigenetics, Chromatin Modifications, and Regulation

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2:58 minutes

Problem 9

Textbook Question

Chromatin remodeling by the SWI/SNF complex requires hydrolysis of ATP. What purpose does this serve?

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Understand that chromatin remodeling involves changing the structure of chromatin to regulate access to DNA for processes like transcription.

Recognize that the SWI/SNF complex is a type of chromatin remodeler that uses energy to reposition or evict nucleosomes on DNA.

Identify that ATP hydrolysis provides the energy required for the SWI/SNF complex to physically alter nucleosome positioning.

Explain that the hydrolysis of ATP to ADP + Pi releases energy, which the SWI/SNF complex harnesses to disrupt histone-DNA interactions.

Conclude that this energy-dependent remodeling facilitates access of transcription factors and other proteins to DNA, enabling gene expression regulation.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Chromatin Structure and Accessibility

Chromatin is composed of DNA wrapped around histone proteins, forming nucleosomes that compact the DNA and regulate gene accessibility. Remodeling chromatin alters this structure to expose or hide DNA regions, thereby controlling gene expression.

SWI/SNF Complex Function

The SWI/SNF complex is an ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complex that repositions or ejects nucleosomes to change chromatin structure. This remodeling facilitates access of transcription factors and other proteins to DNA, influencing gene regulation.

Role of ATP Hydrolysis in Chromatin Remodeling

ATP hydrolysis provides the energy required for the SWI/SNF complex to disrupt histone-DNA interactions and reposition nucleosomes. This energy-dependent process enables dynamic changes in chromatin structure essential for regulating DNA accessibility.

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Describe how reversible chemical changes to DNA and histones are linked to chromatin modification.

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Why are changes in nucleosome spacing important in changing gene expression?

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Present an overview of the manner in which chromatin can be remodeled. Describe the manner in which these remodeling processes influence transcription.

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What are the similarities and differences in the two types of ncRNAs involved in epigenetic control of gene expression?

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Textbook Question

The term heterochromatin refers to heavily condensed regions of chromosomes that are largely devoid of genes. Since few genes exist there, these regions almost never decondense for transcription. At what point during the cell cycle would you expect to observe the decondensation of heterochromatic regions? Why?

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How do microRNAs regulate epigenetic mechanisms during development?

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What are the functions of lncRNAs in epigenetic regulation? Describe each in detail.

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What are the different chromatin classifications, and what is their relationship to gene expression?