Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Epigenetics is the study of heritable changes in gene expression or cellular phenotype that do not involve alterations to the underlying DNA sequence.
These changes are mediated by chromatin remodeling, histone modifications (like acetylation or methylation), and DNA methylation.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze both statements:
1. Analysis of Statement (I): Epigenetic regulation involves structural modifications to DNA and associated histones without changing the genetic code.
For example, methylating cytosine residues in DNA or modifying histone tails alters chromatin compaction (e.g., from active euchromatin to inactive heterochromatin), regulating transcription factor access and gene expression.
Thus, Statement (I) is correct.
2. Analysis of Statement (II): A defining feature of epigenetic modifications is their heritability.
- Mitotic Heritability: Epigenetic states are faithfully maintained during somatic cell division (mitosis).
This allows differentiated cells to maintain their identities over cellular generations (e.g., a leaf cell remains a leaf cell after division).
- Meiotic Heritability: Some epigenetic marks can survive the reprogramming that occurs during gametogenesis and be transmitted to the next generation through meiosis.
This is known as transgenerational epigenetic inheritance.
Therefore, Statement (II) is incorrect because epigenetic states are heritable through both mitosis and meiosis.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Statement (I) is correct, but Statement (II) is incorrect. This corresponds to option (C).