Educational Content: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
Definition of Epigenetics
Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026
Epigenetics: 1. The study of heritable changes in gene function that occur without a change in the sequence of the DNA. For example:
- The process of DNA methylation; and
- The process of chromatin remodeling.
2. The study of certain processes that occur in embryonic development. For example:
- X inactivation (the inactivation of one X chromosome in females); and
- The phenomenon of gene silencing.