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In biology, epigenetics is the study of heritable traits, or a stable change of cell function, that happen without changes to the DNA sequence. The Greek prefix epi-(ἐπι-"over, outside of, around") in epigenetics implies features that are "on top of" or "in addition to" the traditional (DNA sequence based) genetic mechanism of inheritance.
Epigenetics explains how early experiences can have lifelong impacts. The genes children inherit from their biological parents provide information that guides their development. For example, how tall they could eventually become or the kind of temperament they could have.
- Overview
- For more information about the epigenome:
- Topics in the How Genes Work chapter
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Epigenetics is the study of how cells control gene activity without changing the DNA sequence."Epi-"means on or above in Greek,and "epigenetic" describes factors beyond the genetic code. Epigenetic changes are modifications to DNA that regulate whether genes are turned on or off. These modifications are attached to DNA and do not change the sequence of DNA building blocks. Within the complete set of DNA in a cell (genome), all of the modifications that regulate the activity (expression) of the genes is known as the epigenome.
Because epigenetic changes help determine whether genes are turned on or off, they influence the production of proteins in cells. This regulation helps ensure that each cell produces only proteins that are necessary for its function. For example, proteins that promote bone growth are not produced in muscle cells. Patterns of epigenetic modification vary among individuals, in different tissues within an individual, and even in different cells within a tissue. Environmental influences, such as a person’s diet and exposure to pollutants, can impact the epigenome. Epigenetic modifications can be maintained from cell to cell as cells divide and, in some cases, can be inherited through the generations.
A common type of epigenetic modification is called DNA methylation. DNA methylation involves the attachment of small chemical groups called methyl groups (each consisting of one carbon atom and three hydrogen atoms) to DNA building blocks. When methyl groups are present on a gene, that gene is turned off or silenced, and no protein is produced from that gene.
Another common epigenetic change is histone modification. Histones are structural proteins in the cell nucleus. DNA wraps around histones, giving chromosomes their shape. Histones can be modified by the addition or removal of chemical groups, such as methyl groups or acetyl groups (each consisting of two carbon, three hydrogen, and one oxygen atoms). The chemical groups influence how tightly the DNA is wrapped around histones, which affects whether a gene can be turned on or off.
Errors in the epigenetic process, such as modification of the wrong gene or failure to add a chemical group to a particular gene or histone, can lead to abnormal gene activity or inactivity. Altered gene activity, including that caused by epigenetic errors, is a common cause of genetic disorders. Conditions such as cancers, metabolic disorders, and degenerative disorders have been found to be related to epigenetic errors.
Scientists continue to explore the relationship between the genome and the chemical compounds that modify it. In particular, they are studying the effects that epigenetic modifications and errors have on gene function, protein production, and human health.
Human Epigenome Toolset from Baylor College of Medicine allows for comparison of the epigenomes of many species and cell types.
The University of Utah provides an interactive epigenetics tutorial.
The National Human Genome Research Institute provides a fact sheet on Epigenomics.
Many tools for understanding epigenomics are available through the NIH Common Fund Epigenomics Project.
•What are proteins and what do they do?
•How do genes direct the production of proteins?
•Can genes be turned on and off in cells?
•What is epigenetics?
•How do cells divide?
•How do genes control the growth and division of cells?
Epigenetics is the study of how cells control gene activity without changing the DNA sequence. Learn how epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation and histone modification, influence protein production and human health, and how they can be affected by environmental factors.
Jun 16, 2024 · Epigenetics is the study of how genes are chemically modified and regulated by factors other than DNA sequence. Learn about the types, mechanisms, and impacts of epigenetic modifications on development, health, and disease.
Feb 16, 2024 · Epigenetics is the study of how our environment and behaviors change the chemicals attached to our genes, affecting our health. Learn about epigenetic marks, factors that influence the epigenome and diseases linked to epigenetics.
Epigenetics is the study of how the environment and other factors can change the way that genes are expressed. Learn about epigenetic mechanisms, mental illness, stress, intergenerational transmission, and more from Psychology Today.
Learn about epigenetics, the study of heritable changes in gene expression without altering DNA sequence. Explore how epigenetics is influenced by environment, lifestyle, and disease, and how it affects health and disease outcomes.
