Epigenetics

Definition

Epigenetics refers to changes in gene expression that do not involve alterations to the underlying DNA sequence. These changes may last through cell divisions for the remainder of the cell's life and may also last for multiple generations without any change in the underlying DNA sequence.

Related terms

Methylation: A process by which methyl groups are added to DNA molecules; methylation can change the activity of a DNA segment without changing its sequence.

Histone modification: Changes made to histone proteins that affect their interaction with DNA and thus influence gene regulation.

Gene silencing: The regulation of gene expression where a gene is prevented from being expressed.