Methylation is a Mechanism Often Used by Cells to Prevent

Question

Methylation is a mechanism often used by cells to prevent the expression of:
A)genes in transposable elements.
B)genes from viruses that have been integrated into the genome.
C)harmful (mutant)genes such as those responsible for cystic fibrosis.

Accepted Answer

Methylation is a mechanism of gene regulation in which a methyl group is added to a cytosine base in DNA. This modification can prevent the expression of genes located in transposable elements and genes from viruses that have been integrated into the genome. Methylation can also be involved in the regulation of many other genes and can have numerous effects on cellular processes. However, methylation is not typically used to prevent the expression of harmful or mutant genes.