Question:

Given below are two statements:
Statement (I): An epigenetic change is an alteration in gene expression associated with alternative chromatin or methylation state without any change in the DNA sequence.
Statement (II): The alternative epigenetic states are not heritable either through mitosis or meiosis.
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

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Remember that the term "epigenetics" requires that the changes in gene expression must be heritable across cell divisions (mitosis) or generations (meiosis) without changing the DNA sequence.
  • Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are correct.
  • Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are incorrect.
  • Statement (I) is correct but Statement (II) is incorrect.
  • Statement (I) is incorrect but Statement (II) is correct.
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

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).
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