Paramutation

Paramutation

Paramutation (pronounced: /ˌpærəmjuːˈteɪʃən/) is a unique interaction between two alleles of a single locus, where one allele modifies the other, leading to a heritable change in expression of the modified allele. The term was first coined by R. A. Brink in 1956.

Etymology

The term "paramutation" is derived from the Greek words "para", meaning "beside", and "mutation", meaning "change". It signifies a change that occurs beside or alongside the traditional concept of genetic mutation.

Mechanism

Paramutation involves a change in gene expression that is heritable, but does not involve a change in the DNA sequence. It is thought to involve epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation or histone modification, which alter the physical structure of the DNA and thus its activity. The exact mechanism of paramutation is still not fully understood, but it is known to involve RNA molecules in some way.

Examples

Paramutation has been observed in several organisms, including maize, mice, and Drosophila. In maize, for example, paramutation can affect the color of the kernels. One classic example is the interaction between the B-I and B' alleles of the b1 gene in maize, where the B-I allele can induce a heritable change in the B' allele that reduces its expression.

Related Terms

• Allele
• Locus
• Genetic mutation
• Epigenetic
• DNA methylation
• Histone modification
• RNA
• Maize
• Mice
• Drosophila
• B-I allele
• B' allele
• b1 gene

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Paramutation
• Wikipedia's article - Paramutation

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