Animal Genetics: Epigenetics and Chromatin

Animal genetics refers to the study of genes, variation and heredity in animals. An animal's behavior, development and genetic processes are influenced by their environment and experiences. Genetic changes occur due to mutations, natural selection and evolution. The study of the heritable changes in gene function that do not arise due to a change in the DNA sequence is under the domain of epigenetics. Histone modification and DNA methylation are few mechanisms that can produce such changes. Macromolecules found in the cells, which consist of protein, RNA and DNA form a complex, which is called the chromatin. Its fundamental function is to prevent DNA damage, allow mitosis by reinforcing the DNA macromolecule, pack DNA more densely and compactly, and control the DNA replication and gene expression. The topics covered in this extensive book deal with the core aspects of animal genetics, epigenetics and chromatin. Scientists and students actively engaged in this field will find this book full of crucial and unexplored concepts. It traces the progress of this discipline and highlights some of its key concepts and applications.