Genes, RNA and Proteins Epigenetics is about how the genes* we inherit from our parents are controlled, and how they interact with our environment: how our genes make us, well, us.
“Epi-” means upon, or in addition; epigenetics is the study of how additional factors interact with genes to direct the processes that make our cells* and bodies work.
Scientists have known about some of these factors for decades, but have only quite recently begun putting everything together to start explaining some of the gaps in our knowledge of genetics. From how embryos develop to how species evolve, from basic laboratory research to drug development – epigenetics is becoming a hot topic of conversation!
Understanding epigenetics - how our genes interact with our environment and other factors is crucial to understanding many aspects of biology.
* Words marked with an asterisk are defined in the glossary.
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