Monozygotic Twin Studies Are A Unique Opportunity to Explore Environmental Impacts on Gene Expression
Definition
Monozygotic twins
Monozygotic twins (identical twins) arise when a single fertilized egg splits into two embryos.
- They share 100% of their DNA, making them ideal for studying the influence of the environment on gene expression.
- This is because by comparing identical twins, scientists can isolate environmental effects from genetic ones.
Gene Expression and the Environment
- Gene expression is the process by which information in DNA is used to produce proteins, which determine an organism's traits.
- While the genetic code remains constant, the environment can influence which genes are active or inactive.
Mechanisms of Environmental Influence
- Epigenetic Modifications:Chemical changes to DNA or histones that regulate gene activity without altering the genetic code.
- Examples include DNA methylation and histone acetylation.
- Transcription Factors: Proteins that bind to DNA and control the transcription of specific genes.
- Environmental signals can activate or deactivate these proteins.
