BIOL 323 - Epigenetics

Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)

Most cells in our bodies contain the same set of DNA, yet there are ~200 different cell types, each with unique patterns of gene expression. How do those cells establish and maintain their identities? How do environmental factors such as temperature, nutrition and social stress exert long lasting effects on organisms and their progeny? The field of epigenetics is shedding new light on these and many other interesting questions in biology. Epigenetics is the study of heritable changes in gene expression (and hence traits) that cannot be explained by alterations in the DNA sequence. These changes instead involve chemical modifications to DNA and its associated histones. Some of these changes can be passed down through mitosis and some even through meiosis. Exploration of this topic will involve student presentations and active discussion of primary research articles and will expand upon the participants’ previous coursework in genetics. Jennifer Kennell.

Prerequisite(s): One unit of genetics (BIOL 238, BIOL 244, BIOL 248 or class taken abroad) and one unit of any 200-level biology or NEUR 105, PSYC 229, or PSYC 249.

Two 2-hour periods.

Not offered in 2022/23.

Course Format: CLS