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Epigenetics environment and diseases Introduction Epigenetics is the manipulation above genetics it is the study of changing heritable phenotypes as a result of modified gene expression but without altering the DNA sequences Chemical modifications on chromosome DNA and structures can change the pattern of gene expression All cells in the body except erythrocytes contain identical DNA sequences the epigenetics allows the cells to develop into specific ones by changing the gene expression pattern Functions of each type of cells are determined by the pattern and therefore by epigenetics Epigenome is changeable as different genes are required during different periods throughout life As the cells communicate with one another signals from inside the cell neighbouring cells and environment allows the cells to know when and how they should change Importance of signals are dependent on the stage of development For example at the start of embryonic division after fertilisation signals from neighbouring cells provide information of which cell types they should be develop into environmental signals influence more on the epigenome in later development stages Sperm and egg cells contain epigenetic signals or tags from each parent respectively
