Nutrients and Gene Regulation GenomeStrands of DNAContains all genetic information for the body, housed in cell nucleus and mitochondriaGene: the DNA sequences in the genome that are expressed in the form of protein or RNANot all DNA sequences in the genome are expressedRNAProducts of genesmRNA: intermediates between genes and proteinstRNA: carries amino acidsDNA vs. RNAStructural differences:Ribose but not deoxyriboseUracil replaces thymineGene ExpressionTranscription: DNA mRNATranslation: mRNA- proteinNuclear DNA makes mRNA copymRNA leaves nucleus-DNA stays behindmRNA attaches to ribosometRNA has been collecting AA from cytoplasmtRNA’s give up their AA to the ribosome and are arranged following the map of the mRNAAn enzyme then bonds with one AA to the nextThe protein is then releasedHow is Nutrition Related to Genetics?Vitamins work at the genetic level to turn gene expression on or offNutrients can cause damage at genetic level or protect the body from damage at the cellular level (antioxidants)Defects in genetic code cause nutrition related diseases (mutations)Cystic fibrosis-defect in a gene that codes for chloride channels throughout the body, which causes excess mucus production, failure to produce digestiveenzymes and thus malabsorptionPhenylketonuria (PKU)- inborn error of metabolism, a genetic disorder with mutations in a gene that metabolites phenylalanine, buildup results in brain damageSickle Cell Anemia- normal RBC are sickle shaped, one amino acid off, resulting the RBC to change shape and lose functionNutrients Involved in Gene Expression SeleniumDeficiency results in selenoprotein mRNA degradation IronEffects mRNA translation of proteins involved in iron absorption When iron is high, mRNA of an iron storage protein undergoes translationWhen iron is low, mRNA of an iron storage protein is blocked from translationVitamin D/CalciumSome amino acids (phenylalanine)NutrigenomicsThe study of how naturally occurring chemicals in foods alter molecular expression of genetics informal in each individualIdentification and understanding of population differences and similarities in gene expression, or phenotype, in response to dietSignificance:Early detection may aid with prevention, or may cause undue worryIdentification of specific genes may better focus treatmentCan use as better assessment of nutritional statusUse to set RDAs more accuratelyEpigeneticsThe science of heritable changes in gene function that occur without a change in the DNA sequenceModifications on DNA (methylation on cytosine, one of the 4 bases)Modifications on the histone proteins (acetylation on
View Full Document
Unlocking...