Final answer:
The rearrangement of chromatin structure, including DNA methylation and histone protein modification, can alter gene expression by changing the access of transcription machinery to DNA, leading to different cell types and functions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The rearrangement of chromatin structure can alter the tissue- specific pattern of gene expression. Chromatin remodeling involves modifications such as DNA methylation and chemical modification of histone proteins, which change the accessibility of DNA for transcription by altering the spacing of nucleosomes. This remodeling can lead to genes becoming either active or silenced, depending on whether the chromatin is in an open or closed conformation. The activity of transcription factors also plays a crucial role in regulating differential gene expression, which results in different cell types with their own specific functions and characteristics.
Epigenetic changes, although not permanent, can persist through many rounds of cell division and can even be inherited across generations. These changes facilitate the progression from a fertilized egg to a fully mature organism by passing on different patterns of gene expression to future cell generations. This results in the development of diverse tissues and organs. These processes, including the action of transposable elements that cause genetic rearrangements, contribute to the dynamic regulation of gene expression.