Genomic imprinting is generally due to the addition of methyl (-CH3) groups to cytosine nucleotides to silence a given allele of a gene. If this process depends on the sex of the parent who transmits the gene, which of the following statements must be true?
A) Genes required for early development stages must not be imprinted.
B) Methylation of this kind must occur more in males than in females.
C) Methylation must be reversible in ovarian and testicular cells.
D) The imprints are transmitted only to gamete-producing cells.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Methylation involved in genomic imprinting must be reversible in the germ cells (ovarian and testicular cells) to ensure that each generation can establish its own imprinting patterns based on the sex of the parent transmitting the gene. This reversibility allows for the erasure and re-establishment of methylation marks according to whether the allele is being transmitted by the mother or the father.

Genomic Imprinting Is Generally Due to the Addition of Methyl