epigenome
noun
epi·ge·nome
| \ ˌe-pə-ˈjē-ˌnōm
\
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Definition of epigenome
: the complement of chemical compounds that modify the expression and function of the genome
Access to the genes is controlled by the epigenome, a layer of millions of proteins and other marks that attach themselves to the genome.— Nicholas Wade Working out which genes are switched on or not involves looking at the epigenome, or the chemical "methyl" tags attached to genes. — New Scientist
Examples of epigenome in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Skinner's own research in animals suggests changes to the epigenome, a swirl of biological factors that affect how genes are expressed, can be passed down through multiple generations. — Andrew Curry, Science | AAAS, "Parents’ emotional trauma may change their children’s biology. Studies in mice show how," 18 July 2019 One intriguing finding in the twin study was that changes the researchers noted in Kelly’s genome and epigenome (markers on our genes that develop in response to environmental stressors) occurred in the last six months of the mission. — Brian Resnick, Vox, "Scientists are grappling with our biggest limitation in spaceflight: our own bodies," 18 July 2019 Environmental factors such as diet, stress, and sun exposure can affect the epigenome. — Marcia Desanctis, Vogue, "Can the Genes Responsible for Aging Be Altered by a Face Cream? These Skin-Care Companies Say Yes," 21 July 2018 One intriguing finding in the twin study was that changes the researchers noted in Kelly’s genome and epigenome (markers on our genes that develop in response to environmental stressors) occurred in the last six months of the mission. — Brian Resnick, Vox, "Scientists are grappling with our biggest limitation in spaceflight: our own bodies," 18 July 2019 Skinner's own research in animals suggests changes to the epigenome, a swirl of biological factors that affect how genes are expressed, can be passed down through multiple generations. — Andrew Curry, Science | AAAS, "Parents’ emotional trauma may change their children’s biology. Studies in mice show how," 18 July 2019 Proposing a more nuanced narrative than conventional wisdom about the immutability of our DNA, the epigenome has been identified as the control panel for our genes, determining which of them is turned on or off at any given time. — Marcia Desanctis, Vogue, "Can the Genes Responsible for Aging Be Altered by a Face Cream? These Skin-Care Companies Say Yes," 21 July 2018 Meticulous tinkering with the epigenome, otherwise known as the control panel for our genes, has yielded a number of significant findings of late—but perhaps none so surreal as those reported in a recent report by Newsweek. — Lauren Valenti, Vogue, "Scientists Have Found a Way to Reverse Wrinkles and Hair Loss, According to an "Unprecedented" New Study," 23 July 2018 Environmental factors such as diet, stress, and sun exposure can affect the epigenome. — Marcia Desanctis, Vogue, "Can the Genes Responsible for Aging Be Altered by a Face Cream? These Skin-Care Companies Say Yes," 21 July 2018These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'epigenome.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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