EPIGENETICS Definition & Meaning

epigenetics

[ ep-i-juh-net-iks ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

(used with a singular verb)

Genetics. the study of the process by which genetic information is translated into the substance and behavior of an organism: specifically, the study of the way in which the expression of heritable traits is modified by environmental influences or other mechanisms without a change to the DNA sequence.

epigenetics

/ ˌɛ��ɪ��ɪˈ��ɛ��ɪ�� /

noun

the study of heritable changes that occur without a change in the DNA sequence

epigenetics

/ ĕ��′ĭ-��ə-��ĕ��′ĭ�� /

The study of heritable changes in gene expression caused by factors such as DNA methylation rather than by a change in the sequence of base pairs in DNA itself.

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�y��vlog History and Origins

Origin of epigenetics¹

Coined in 1942 by English biologist Conrad H. Waddington (1905–75); blend of epigenesis and genetics

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Skinner's team analyzed their cells for modifications to their epigenetics, which are molecular factors and processes that are independent of DNA sequence but determine how genes behave.

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Researchers at ETH Zurich have discovered a mechanism behind the yo-yo effect: fat cells have a memory that is based on epigenetics.

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The mt-tsRNAs play a role in epigenetics, regulating gene expression in the early embryo: they can indirectly influence the development and health of the offspring by modifying the activity of certain genes in the mitochondria.

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It also integrates 3D genomic data and epigenetics -- which measures how genes may be modified by environment to influence disease -- into its modeling.

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The analyses built on the expertise in epigenetics of the Leibniz-IZW as well as on the long-term research on spotted hyenas in the Serengeti, which started in 1987.

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