Epigenetics:
Investigating the
Structure & Function
of Deoxyribonucleic
Acid
Interdisciplinary Investigations (IDI)
Chemistry 161
Chemistry 162
Chemistry 163
Epigenetics
This Investigation:
Day 1
Pre-Lab Discussion
Part 1: Structure and Function of DNA
Part 2: IDI Challenge 1
Day 2
Part 3: Seminar
Part 4: IDI Challenge 2
Part 5: Post-lab Assignment
Pre-Lab Discussion
What did you find most interesting about
each video?
Part 1 A-C: Parts of the DNA Molecule
Nitrogenous Bases
Sugar
Polarity of G & C Bases
D. Linking Through Chemical Bonds
The Phosphodiester Bond
DNA Double Helix
E. Functions of DNA
DNA Replication:
Gene Expression:
DNA must be
accurately copied to
allow for the production
of new cells during
growth, repair, and
reproduction.
Specific regions of DNA,
called genes, must
convey information to
allow cells to build the
needed proteins
through transcription
and translation.
Functions of DNA
DNA Replication:
DNA Replication: Let’s Watch
http://www.youtube.com/v/4jtmOZaIvS0
Functions of DNA
Gene Expression
Epigenetics and DNA Methylation:
• Do all your cells have the
same DNA?
• Do all your cells use all
their DNA? Why or why
not?
All Our Cells Work From Essentially the
Same Genome/DNA Template.
Thus cells must be able to regulate which
genes they use.
Epigenetics and DNA Methylation:
• Differential gene
expression allows
different cell types to
adopt different
fates.
• Mistakes in gene
regulation are
associated with a
variety of diseases,
especially cancer.
Gene Regulation Plays an
Important Role in Many Diseases
DNA Methylation
This reaction is
enzymemediated.
DNA methylation silences
genes.
Write down your ideas for the three
questions in Part E!
Part 2: IDI Challenge
On your white board, make a
group drawing that represents
your thinking about how
methylation of DNA “silences” a
gene?
Be sure to capture your drawing as
a photograph for your post-lab
report!
Part 3: Seminar
Assignment For Next Week:
1.Read these two articles:
“A New Kind of Inheritance”, Scientific American, 2014
“Ancestral dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) exposure
promotes epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of
obesity” BMC Medicine, 2013.
2. Write a summary of the articles.
3. Write three questions
4. Bring the summary and questions with
you to class and be prepared to
participate in an in-class seminar
Day 2 Agenda:
• Intro to Epigenetics
• The Structure & Discovery
of DNA
• DNA Function
• Methylation
• Drawing Activity
How do we detect DNA methylation?
We use CHEMISTRY!
How do we detect DNA methylation?
We use CHEMISTRY!
Next: Your Seminar
1. Find your team!
2. Introductions and Roles.
3. Discuss the paper, using your
questions as a guide.
4. Report out!
Structure, Function, and the Value of
Visualization:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJyUtbn0O5Y
Challenge: Let’s Draw Again!
On your white board,
make a drawing that
represents your thinking
about how methylation of
DNA “silences” a gene?
DNA Methylation: Let’s Watch
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29doT6Hf2MI&list=PLU1BVhkEIXAHNboZCjPi2dovL1N9EazoJ