Epigenetic chromatin remodeling
noun phrasePronunciation: /ˌepɪdʒəˈnetɪk ˈkroʊmətɪn ˌriːˈmoʊdəlɪŋ/
Reversible modifications to chromatin structure and DNA accessibility through histone acetylation, methylation, and nucleosome repositioning without altering DNA sequence. These changes regulate stress-response gene expression patterns during acute and chronic abiotic stress.
Plain English
Changes to how DNA is packaged that control which stress-response genes are turned on or off.
Etymology & History
Usage
"Epigenetic chromatin remodeling at the HSF gene locus increases accessibility during heat stress, enabling rapid transcription."
Style guide notes: Specify histone modification type and chromatin region when discussing remodeling mechanism in research.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How is chromatin remodeling reversed after stress ends?
Histone deacetylases remove acetyl groups and restore repressive chromatin states when stress signals diminish.
Can stress-induced epigenetic changes be inherited?
Some modifications persist through mitosis and can be transmitted to offspring, creating transgenerational stress memory.
Why Test Candidates on This?
Essential for understanding molecular basis of stress adaptation and transgenerational stress memory.
Required skill level: Senior