EPIGENETIC EFFECTS IN EUKARYOTIC GENE-EXPRESSION

In the broadest terms, epigenetic phenomena in eukaryotes depend on th e interaction of alleles or repeated sequences or on the mitotic inher itance of chromatin states or methylation patterns. One of the most ex citing aspects of the study of epigenetic phenomena is the insight tha t can be gained into the structure and assembly of higher-order chroma tin structures, an important subject that has proved refractory to cur rent biochemical methodologies. Rapid progress in the study of gene in activation in fungi, plants, and invertebrates will provide new hypoth eses to be tested in mammals. (C) 1994 Wiiey-Liss, Inc.