Loading subject…
Epigenesis Is How Genetically Identical Cells Develop Into Different Specialised Cell Types
- A multicellular organism develops from a single, undifferentiated cell into an organised system of specialised cells, tissues, and organs.
- This gradual building of pattern and complexity during development is called epigenesis.
- Every cell in the organism carries the same genome, so differences between cell types cannot come from different DNA sequences.
- Instead, cells become specialised because each cell type switches on a different pattern of gene expression.
Differentiation: The Same Genome, Read Differently in Each Cell Type
Definition
Epigenesis
Epigenesis refers to the development of patterns of differentiation in cells, enabling them to perform specific functions.
- During development, cells become specialised through differentiation.
- Differentiation is guided by epigenetic tags that ensure only the genes needed for a cell's role are expressed.
Unlock the rest of this chapter with a free account
Sign up for a free account to keep reading.
- D2.2.4 Epigenesis
- D2.2.5 Differences between the genome, transcriptome and proteome of individual cells
- D2.2.6 Methylation of the promoter and histones in nucleosomes as examples of epigenetic tags
- D2.2.7 Epigenetic inheritance through heritable changes to gene expression