Of the three types of bees that you see in the image above the queen and the wor

Question

Of the three types of bees that you see in the image above the queen and the worker are genetic clones. They share all the same genes yet they look different from each other. The queen lives longer, they are bigger and they lay eggs while the worker has a completely different existence. If they have the same genes, what might account for the differences that we see in their respective biology?  

For this week’s task read the short article, Epigenetic (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. and view video Nova: Epigenetics.  Also, make sure you know the basic definition of what a gene is.

As you create your assignment you will need to include all of the following information on your assignment.

Define what the epigenome is and its role in gene expression. In your own words tell me how the epigenome is involved in activating or deactivating genes.

Explain how altering the epigenome can produce a different type of bee. How do we transform identical bee larvae into workers or bees?

Explanation / Answer

Epigenome Definition:

The epigenome is made up of chemical compounds and proteins that can attach to DNA and direct such actions as turning genes on or off, controlling the production of proteins in particular cells and can tell the genome what to do . When epigenomic compounds attach to DNA and modify its function, they are said to have "marked" the genome.

Role in gene expression:

The differences among cells are determined by how and when different sets of genes are turned on or off in various kinds of cells. Specialized cells in the eye turn on genes that make proteins that can detect light, while specialized cells in red blood cells make proteins that carry oxygen from the air to the rest of the body. The epigenome controls many of these changes to the genome. These modifications occur as a natural process of development and tissue differentiation, and can be altered in response to environmental exposures or disease. It has other many functions like Histone Modifications, DNA Methylation, Chromatin Accessibility.

Example of altering the epigenome can produce a different type of bee:

By change in gene expression across the genome and comparing the levels of cytosine methylation in queen bees versus worker bees, it has been identified that potential target genes whose expression is higher in queen bees (presumably because of royal jelly-mediated decreases in methylation) as compared to worker bees. This explains how altering the epigenome can produce different type of bees and differences between the two castes. This is how do we transform identical bee larvae into workers or bees

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