To what extent do epigenetic processes play a role in sex determination

Veentjer, Melany (2023) To what extent do epigenetic processes play a role in sex determination. Bachelor's Thesis, Biology.

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Abstract

Epigenetic is defined by change in gene expression without a change in nucleic acid sequence. Epigenetic modifications can be referred to markings on DNA which are heritable. Epigenetic modifications can put genes into a silenced state, resulting in less to no expression of these genes. Recent studies have shown that there is a correlation between epigenetics and sex determination. Sex determination is the biology in an organism that determines gender establishment. The most common sex-determination systems are the XX/XY sex-determination system and the ZW/ZZ sex determination systems. Most organisms possess a sex determination system where sex chromosomes are involved however fungi do not work with sex chromosomes, but they use mating types. There are also organisms in which the number of chromosomes sets determines sex determination. In recent years, there has been increasing evidence of the involvement of epigenetics in the regulation of key genes in sexual development. Epigenetics can influence sex determination through genomic imprinting of the X chromosome, regulation of Sry gene on the Y chromosome and mating type silencing in fungi. Sex determination is based on two major sex determinations systems: GSD and ESD in which ESD always has a non-genetic cue. Previously, researchers saw ESD and GSD as two separate systems because of this, sex determination was either genetic-based or environmental-based. Currently, it is thought that the combination of a specific epigenotyp

Item Type:	Thesis (Bachelor's Thesis)
Supervisor name:	Beukeboom, L.W.
Degree programme:	Biology
Thesis type:	Bachelor's Thesis
Language:	English
Date Deposited:	30 Mar 2023 07:37
Last Modified:	30 Mar 2023 07:37
URI:	https://fse.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/29502

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