What is the mechanism of Lyonization and example of organism that under go it?

Answer 1

The Lyon hypothesis states that in cells with multiple X chromosomes, all but one is inactivated during mammalian embryogenesis. X-inactivation leads to clumped chromatin termed Barr bodies, which are generally considered inert. This formation of Barr bodies is called Lyonization. In humans the X chromosome that is inactivated is determined by chance. In marsupials, however, the paternal X chromosome is always inactivated. Inactivation is achieved by methylation of the X chromosome DNA, a common way in which the cell silences particular genes. Certain animals have their coloring patters dictated by this phenomenon. For example, female Calico cats have unique patterns of fur due to certain areas where different X chromosomes are inactived. The X chromosomes that are activated express different coloring genes and lead to their mosaic fur color. However, there are now reports that women still express many genes from their inactive X chromosomes, and that different women express different genes from the inactive X. Research by Carrel and Willard (2005) indicates that 15% of the genes on the inactive X chromosome are actually active across all women, and a further 10% of genes were switched on in some women. The hypothesis was first stated by Mary F. lyon in 1961 while she was studying the genetic consequences of radiation exposure, and therefore bears her name.

Answer 2

Lyonization is the process of inactivating one of the X chromosomes in female mammals to balance gene expression levels with males who have only one X chromosome. An example of an organism that undergoes Lyonization is humans, where one of the X chromosomes in females is randomly silenced in each cell during early embryonic development. This process results in mosaic expression of X-linked genes in females.