How does an epigenetic change differ from a mutation?A-Mutations involve nucleotide sequences of only one or a few base pairs. A
n epigenetic change involves large regions of a chromosome, thousands of base pairs or more in length.B-Mutations can be passed on to offspring or to daughter cells. Epigenetic changes cannot be inherited.C-Epigenetic changes occur due to environmental effects and only persist as long as the environment that induced them remains constant. Mutations are permanent.D-A mutation alters the nucleotide sequence in DNA. An epigenetic change does not alter the DNA sequence, but can be inherited by daughter cells.
Epigenetic changes may be defined as the changes that can alter the gene expression of an individual. The epigenetic changes occur naturally but may sometimes occur due to environmental factor as well. Mutations may be defined as the sudden heritable change in the DNA sequences. Mutations may be neutral, harmful or beneficial for the organisms.
Mutation always alters or changes the DNA sequence whereas the DNA sequences remain same in the epigenetic changes. The epigenetic changes can be inherited by the daughter cells as well.
Uses. Comparative anatomy has long served as evidence for evolution, now joined in that role by comparative genomics; it indicates that organisms share a common ancestor. It also assists scientists in classifying organisms based on similar characteristics of their anatomical structures.
