Question

Dr. Morelli investigates how gene activity is regulated within a cell, including what signals switch genes on or off. In general, she is interested in the mechanisms that control gene expression and its effect on behavior and health. Her area of research is called:______.

a) genetic mutation research.
b) epigenetics.
c) stem cell research.
d) the human genome project.

Answer 1

b) epigenetics.

Step-by-step explanation:

Epigenetics simply indicates the changes that do not alter the DNA sequence but influence the way genes are intercepted by the cells. Chemical compounds externally applied to single genes may modify their activity and these changes are known as epigenetic changes. Epigenetic variations persist as cells divide, and in some cases can be passed from one generation to another. The epigenome may also be influenced by environmental factors, for example, diet, exposure to contaminants, etc.