Published: | Updated:

EPIGENETICS: THE SCIENCE OF ALTERING EXPRESSIONS OF CERTAIN GENES

Epigenetics is a field of molecular science which involves altering the expression of certain genes. 

It is defined as: 'The study of changes in organisms caused by modification of gene expression rather than alteration of the genetic code itself.'

Instead of changing the genes present in a living thing, it changes which of its genes are 'turned on'. 

Although it is the genetic code which forms the foundations for every living organism, it is the combination of activated genes which defines it.

This gene expression can be complex or simple and can control a wide range of features. 

As some features and behaviours are controlled by single genes, these can be easily altered by turning this gene off, for example. 

Some genes inhibit growth and limit cell proliferation, by deactivating these genes things can be grown which do not have the same natural limitations as before.  

Advertisement

Read articles that feature this panel

BRITAIN will become the truffle capital of the world within 30 years: Scientists are developing a new genetically enhanced variety that grow...

A new technique is being developed which could halve the time it takes to grow truffles from six to three years, according to a scientist...

In this July 11, 2018 photo, animal geneticist Alison Van Eenennaam of the University of California, Davis, points to a group of dairy calves that won't have to be de-horned thanks to gene editing. The calves are descended from a bull genetically altered to be hornless, and the company behind the work, Recombinetics, says gene-edited traits could ease animal suffering and improve productivity. (AP Photo/Haven Daley) Gene-edited livestock including hornless cows and pigs that never hit puberty could reduce suffering on farms, researchers claim - but many...

A company wants to alter farm animals by adding and subtracting genetic traits in a lab. It sounds like science fiction, but Recombinetics...

Rice University launches investigation into American professor who assisted Chinese scientist in creating the 'world's first gene-edited...

Dr Michael Deem worked in a lab in China with Dr He Jiankui (HEH JEE'-an-qway), who studied at Rice and Stanford before he returned to his...

Chinese scientist claims to have created the world's first genetically edited BABIES - twin girls altered to resist HIV infection

Dr He Jiankui (pictured) made the announcement in Shenzhen, China, at an international conference on gene editing. One expert described the...

Putting 'spit-and-send' DNA kits to the test: MailOnline tries out product that claims to track genetic changes and help you lose weight,...

UK-based firm Muhdo has launched one of the first at-home epigenetics kits, which it says can provide flexible and accurate information...

Stem-cell breakthrough could create 'elite livestock' that are bigger, healthier and meatier to boost food production, say scientists behind...

Researchers from Washington State University and Edinburgh University's Roslin Institute say the technique could help meet growing global...

Most watched News videos