| Term | Definition |
|------|------------|
| Epigenetics | The study of heritable changes in gene expression that do not involve changes to the underlying DNA sequence |
| DNA Methylation | Addition of a methyl group to DNA, typically repressing gene transcription |
| Histone Modification | Chemical changes to histone proteins that can affect gene expression |
| Chromatin | Complex of DNA and proteins (primarily histones) that forms chromosomes |
| CpG Islands | Regions of DNA where cytosine and guanine nucleotides are clustered |
| Gene Silencing | Repression of gene expression |
| Imprinting | Epigenetic phenomenon where certain genes are expressed in a parent-of-origin-specific manner |
| Transgenerational Epigenetic Inheritance | Transmission of epigenetic marks across generations |
| Epigenome | The complete set of epigenetic modifications on the genetic material of a cell |
| Acetylation | Addition of an acetyl group to histones, generally associated with increased gene expression |
| Demethylation | Removal of methyl groups from DNA or histones |
| Histone Deacetylase (HDAC) | Enzyme that removes acetyl groups from histones |
| DNA Methyltransferase (DNMT) | Enzyme that adds methyl groups to DNA |
| Non-coding RNA | RNA molecules that are not translated into proteins but can regulate gene expression |
| Epigenetic Reprogramming | Erasure and reestablishment of epigenetic marks during development |
| Heterochromatin | Tightly packed form of DNA, associated with inactive genes |
| Euchromatin | Loosely packed form of DNA, associated with active genes |
| Epimutation | Heritable change in gene expression without a change in DNA sequence |
| Metastable Epiallele | Allele that can be expressed in different ways due to epigenetic modifications |
| Epigenetic Drift | Accumulation of epigenetic changes over time, often associated with aging |
#biology
#genetic
#health
#cheatsheet