Overview
X-chromosome inactivation is a vital biological process that occurs in female mammals, where one of the two X-chromosomes is randomly inactivated to ensure that gene expression levels are balanced with males. This process results in the formation of a Barr body, which is crucial for preventing overe...
Key Terms
Example: Females have two X-chromosomes (XX).
Example: In female cats, the Barr body can lead to calico coloration.
Example: XIST RNA coats the inactive X-chromosome.
Example: X-chromosome inactivation is a form of dosage compensation.
Example: X-chromosome inactivation is an epigenetic process.
Example: Mosaicism occurs in females due to random X-inactivation.
Related Topics
Genetic Imprinting
Study of gene expression depending on the parent of origin, similar to X-inactivation.
intermediateEpigenetics
Exploration of heritable changes in gene expression without DNA sequence alteration.
advancedX-linked Inheritance
Understanding how traits and disorders are passed down through X-linked genes.
intermediateKey Concepts
Dosage compensationBarr bodyRandom inactivationGenetic expression