What is epigenetics?

What is epigenetics?

• A. Heritable changes in gene expression not due to DNA sequence changes, including DNA methylation and histone modifications
• B. Changes in DNA sequence that alter gene expression
• C. A process where RNA is edited post-transcriptionally
• D. A type of sequencing technology

Answer: (A)

Epigenetics is about regulating gene activity without changing the DNA sequence itself. This regulation comes from chemical marks such as DNA methylation and histone modifications that alter how tightly chromatin is packaged, which determines whether a gene is turned on or off. These marks can be passed on during cell division and can also respond to environmental factors, making gene expression both heritable and adaptable without altering the underlying code. This differs from changes that rewrite the DNA sequence (genetic changes), from RNA editing after transcription, and from sequencing technologies, which are methods rather than regulatory processes.

Epigenetics is about regulating gene activity without changing the DNA sequence itself. This regulation comes from chemical marks such as DNA methylation and histone modifications that alter how tightly chromatin is packaged, which determines whether a gene is turned on or off. These marks can be passed on during cell division and can also respond to environmental factors, making gene expression both heritable and adaptable without altering the underlying code. This differs from changes that rewrite the DNA sequence (genetic changes), from RNA editing after transcription, and from sequencing technologies, which are methods rather than regulatory processes.