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
Epigenetic changes refer to modifications in gene expression that occur without altering the underlying DNA sequence. These changes can be influenced by environmental factors and can have long-lasting effects on an individual's phenotype.
Related terms
Methylation: Methylation is an epigenetic modification where a methyl group is added to DNA, often leading to gene silencing.
Histone Modification: Histone modifications involve chemical alterations made to proteins called histones, around which DNA is wrapped. These modifications can affect how tightly or loosely the DNA is packaged, influencing gene expression.
Epigenome: The epigenome refers to all the chemical compounds and modifications that interact with the genome, determining which genes are turned on or off in different cell types and under various conditions.