After decades of studies emphasizing the role of DNA in heredity, scientists are
now turning their attention from genetics to a variety of heritable phenomena
that fall under the heading of epigenetics, heritable changes that do not result
from an alteration in DNA sequence. Research reveals that stable changes in cell
function can result from, for example, stable changes in protein conformation,
protein modification, DNA methylation, or the location of a molecule within the
cell. Using readings from the primary literature, we will explore the epigenetic
nature and molecular mechanisms underlying a diverse array of phenomena
such as prion propagation, genetic imprinting, dosage compensation, transvection, centromere formation, synapse function, and programmed genome rearrangements. The significance of epigenetic processes for development, evolution, and human health will be discussed.
Format: discussion, three hours per week. Evaluation will be based on class participation and several short papers.
Prerequisites: Biology 202. Enrollment limit: 12 (expected: 12). Open to sophomores, juniors and seniors, with preference given to senior Biology majors who
have not taken a 400-level course, then to juniors.