#8.2.2.1
In eukaryotes, transcription of target genes can be stimulated or inhibited when specific transcriptional factors move from the cytoplasm into the nucleus. The role of the steroid hormone, oestrogen, in initiating transcription.
#8.2.2.2
Epigenetic control of gene expression in eukaryotes.
#8.2.2.3
Epigenetics involves heritable changes in gene function, without changes to the base sequence of DNA. These changes are caused by changes in the environment that inhibit transcription by:
- increased methylation of the DNA or
- decreased acetylation of associated histones.
#8.2.2.4
The relevance of epigenetics on the development and treatment of disease, especially cancer.
#8.2.2.5
In eukaryotes and some prokaryotes, translation of the mRNA produced from target genes can be inhibited by RNA interference (RNAi).
#8.2.2.6
Students should be able to:
- interpret data provided from investigations into gene expression
- evaluate appropriate data for the relative influences of genetic and environmental factors on phenotype.