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What is epigenetics?

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Quick answer

Epigenetics is the study of changes in how genes are switched on or off without altering the DNA sequence itself. Chemical 'tags' on DNA let your environment, diet, and experiences influence which genes are active, and some of these marks can even be inherited.

Key things to understand

  1. Genes can be turned up or down without changing the underlying DNA letters.
  2. Mechanisms include DNA methylation and changes to the histone proteins DNA wraps around.
  3. It helps explain how identical twins diverge and how the same DNA builds many cell types.
  4. Diet, stress, toxins, and lifestyle can leave epigenetic marks, some of them heritable.

People also ask

How is epigenetics different from genetics?
Genetics is the DNA sequence itself; epigenetics is the layer of switches deciding which genes are read, without changing that sequence.
Are epigenetic changes inherited?
Some pass to offspring, though most marks are reset between generations; how much is inherited is an active research area.
Can lifestyle change your epigenetics?
Yes — diet, exercise, stress, and exposure to toxins can add or remove epigenetic marks that alter gene activity.