GHOSTS IN YOUR GENES
Name ________________________ Pr ____ Date__________
1.
As the Human Genome Project began, scientists thought we would uncover about 100,000
genes. As the Project came to a close, we discovered that we had closer to ___________
genes. (Note: We still don’t know the exact number), or about the same number as _________
and fewer than __________.
2.
The “tag” that turns genes on or off is a _____________ group (molecule). Some attach to
_____________, some attach to _____________.
3.
“Epigenetics” means “_____________ _____ __________.”
4.
The study with agouti mice (fat and thin) showed that babies can be affected by
_____________________________________________.
5.
What is probably happening that accounts for the fact that identical twins become more and
more different (e.g., one can get cancer while the other doesn’t) as they get older?
____________________________________________________________________________
6.
We have found that the behavior of a parent critter can affect the epigenome of babies it cares
for. In your own opinion, do you think we are going to find a similar effect in humans?
What reasoning are you using for your opinion?
7.
What does the title of the paper “DNA is not Destiny” mean?
8.
What does the narrator of this video mean when he says epigenetics gives us hope?
9. What does he mean when he says people have a responsibility for epigenetics?