Living Environment Regents Practice Test

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Which of the following best describes epigenetic markers?

Markers that change the genetic sequence.
Markers that attach to genes and can turn them on or off.
Markers that promote the growth of new cells.
Markers that are created only during embryonic development.

The correct answer is: Markers that attach to genes and can turn them on or off.

Epigenetic markers play a crucial role in gene regulation by attaching to genes and influencing their expression without altering the underlying genetic sequence. These markers can be thought of as switches that determine whether a gene is turned on or off. This mechanism is essential for various biological processes, including development, cell differentiation, and responses to environmental factors. The other options do not accurately capture the nature of epigenetic markers. They do not involve changes to the DNA sequence itself, nor are they solely responsible for the promotion of cell growth or limited to embryonic development. Instead, epigenetic modifications can occur at any point in an organism's life and are influenced by various factors, including lifestyle and environmental exposures. This flexibility makes them a significant aspect of genetics and molecular biology.