Question

Environmental factors, such as nutrition, stress, and teratogens, are thought to change gene expression by switching genes on and off. These gene changes can then be inherited by daughter cells and affect genetic expression as people age. The study of these changes is called:

1) Genetic engineering
2) Epigenetics
3) Mutation
4) Genetic variation

Answer 1

Epigenetics is the study of heritable changes in gene expression caused by environmental factors. It involves modifications to the chromosomal structure and can be influenced by factors like ultraviolet light exposure. Understanding epigenetics is crucial in comprehending how the environment can impact genetic expression and disease development.

Step-by-step explanation:

Epigenetics is the study of heritable changes in gene expression caused by environmental factors that can switch genes on and off. These changes are not permanent and involve modifications to the chromosomal structure, rather than the nucleotide sequence of DNA. For example, exposure to ultraviolet light can modify gene expression by altering epigenetic modifications in the DNA. This field of study is important in understanding how environmental factors can impact genetic expression and potentially lead to the development of diseases like cancer.