Question

You are working for an institute involved in studying the molecular processes associated with genetic transmission. Your experiments focus on studying a specific nuclear enzyme that transfers a methyl group from S-adenosyl-methionine to a cytosine residue in a DNA molecule. This enzyme is implicated in which of the following processes?

A. Aneuploidy
B. Anticipation
C. Imprinting
D. Meiotic nondisjunction
E. Pleiotropy

Answer 1

The specific nuclear enzyme in question is involved in epigenetic regulation through methylation and is implicated in the process of imprinting.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nuclear enzyme that transfers a methyl group from S-adenosyl-methionine to a cytosine residue in DNA is involved in the process of methylation, which is crucial for regulating gene expression by suppressing transcription. In genetic contexts, this enzyme activity is specifically associated with imprinting, where methylated genes can be silenced or have their expression altered during gamete development and are then transmitted in their silenced or altered state to offspring. This modification can be inherited, and it is a key aspect of epigenetic regulation, influencing not only gene expression within an individual but also potentially across generations. Therefore, the correct answer is C. Imprinting.