Epigenetic factors are like switches that can turn genes on or off. They do this in a few different ways:
DNA Methylation: This is when tiny groups called methyl groups are added to DNA. They usually attach to a part of the DNA called cytosine. When this happens, it can stop genes from working. In fact, about 70% of our genes have special areas known as CpG islands where this process takes place.
Histone Modification: Histones are proteins that help package our DNA. When they are changed by adding or removing chemical groups like acetyl or methyl, it can change how tightly the DNA is wrapped. This wrapping affects whether a gene is turned on or off. Around 15% of human genes have histones that are modified when the gene is active.
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs): These are special types of RNA that don’t make proteins but still play a big role. For example, microRNAs can attach to mRNA, which is a messenger that carries information from DNA. This can stop the production of certain proteins or help break down the mRNA. Many human genes—about 60%—are influenced by these non-coding RNAs.
These processes show how we can control gene activity without making any changes to the DNA itself.
Epigenetic factors are like switches that can turn genes on or off. They do this in a few different ways:
DNA Methylation: This is when tiny groups called methyl groups are added to DNA. They usually attach to a part of the DNA called cytosine. When this happens, it can stop genes from working. In fact, about 70% of our genes have special areas known as CpG islands where this process takes place.
Histone Modification: Histones are proteins that help package our DNA. When they are changed by adding or removing chemical groups like acetyl or methyl, it can change how tightly the DNA is wrapped. This wrapping affects whether a gene is turned on or off. Around 15% of human genes have histones that are modified when the gene is active.
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs): These are special types of RNA that don’t make proteins but still play a big role. For example, microRNAs can attach to mRNA, which is a messenger that carries information from DNA. This can stop the production of certain proteins or help break down the mRNA. Many human genes—about 60%—are influenced by these non-coding RNAs.
These processes show how we can control gene activity without making any changes to the DNA itself.