Epigenetics is the study of how cells control gene activity without changing the DNA sequence. It is a field of biology that explores how environmental factors and behaviors can cause changes that affect the way genes work. Epigenetic changes are genetic modifications that impact gene activity without changing the DNA sequence. These changes can be temporary or permanent and can affect how easily genes are switched on or off.

Here are some key points about epigenetics:

• Epigenome: During development, the DNA that makes up our genes accumulates chemical marks that determine how much or little of the genes is expressed. This collection of chemical marks is known as the “epigenome”.

• Gene expression: Epigenetic changes affect gene expression to turn genes “on” and “off.” Since environmental factors and behaviors can result in epigenetic changes, it is easy to see the connection between genes and behaviors and environment.

• Epigenetic modifications: Covalent modification of either DNA or of histone proteins play central roles in many types of epigenetic inheritance. Many types of epigenetic processes have been identified, including methylation, acetylation, phosphorylation, ubiquitylation, and sumolyation.

• Epigenetic marks: Epigenetic changes involve the addition or removal of special marks to change how a protein works in the body. These marks can be affected by diet, stressors, or environmental pollutants.

Epigenetics is an emerging area of scientific research that shows how environmental influences can actually affect the expression of genes. It offers a different approach to treating disease, as finding ways to remove a bad epigenetic mark, or add a good one, could be an easier solution than fixing a hardcopy genetic mutation.