What is the hypothesized purpose of the epigenome?
The epigenome, whether genetically or environmentally determined, contributes to inter-individual variation in gene expression and thus to the variation in common complex disease risk (Relton and Smith 2010).
What does epigenome mean in biology?
Within the complete set of DNA in a cell (genome), all of the modifications that regulate the activity (expression) of the genes is known as the epigenome. Because epigenetic changes help determine whether genes are turned on or off, they influence the production of proteins in cells.
What is an epigenome simple definition?
noun. Genetics. a network of chemical compounds surrounding DNA that modify the genome without altering the DNA sequences and have a role in determining which genes are active in a particular cell.
Why is it important to study the epigenome?
The epigenetics field is anticipated to contribute to understanding of the complexities of genetic regulation, cellular differentiation, embryology, aging and disease but also to allow one to systematically explore novel therapeutic avenues, ultimately leading to personalised medicine.
What are the two main elements of the epigenome?
Two components of the epigenome are DNA modification and chromatin remodeling.
What is the study of epigenomics?
Epigenetics is the study of how your behaviors and environment can cause changes that affect the way your genes work. Unlike genetic changes, epigenetic changes are reversible and do not change your DNA sequence, but they can change how your body reads a DNA sequence.
How is the epigenome different from the genome?
The term epigenome is derived from the Greek word epi, meaning above the genome. The epigenome consists of chemical compounds that modify or mark the genome in a way that alters the instructions given by the DNA. Epigenetic factors are not part of the DNA, rather they have an impact on DNA and gene activation.