epigenetic
adj.relating to changes in how genes work without changing the actual DNA code. These changes can be influenced by things like diet, stress, or the environment.
adj.relating to the regulation of gene expression by mechanisms other than changes in the DNA sequence. Often involves chemical modifications to DNA or histone proteins that affect how genes are read by the cell.
“The study shows that epigenetic changes can be passed down through generations.”
“Researchers are investigating how epigenetic factors might explain why some people develop certain diseases even if they have no family history of them.”
“While the genetic code remains constant, epigenetic modifications allow for dynamic responses to environmental stimuli, effectively silencing or activating specific genes without altering the underlying nucleotide sequence.”
“Other disrupted genes showed epigenetic changes that may reflect the influence of environmental factors.”
“Maternal age effects may be controlled by epigenetic processes that change how genes are used rather than by mutations that alter the underlying DNA sequence.”
From epi- + genetic.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.