Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Epigenetics refers to non-DNA altering changes or modifications in gene functions that can influence the way an organism behaves. These modifications do not change the DNA sequence itself but can affect how genes are expressed.
Related terms
Histone Modification: The addition or removal of chemical groups from the proteins called histones around which DNA is wrapped, influencing gene expression.
DNA Methylation: The addition of a methyl group to specific regions of DNA, often resulting in gene silencing.
Chromatin Remodeling: Changes to the structure of chromatin, which affects accessibility and availability of genes for transcription.