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Related Concept Videos

Genomic Imprinting and Inheritance02:30

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Diploid organisms inherit genetic material through chromosomes from both parents. Copies of the same gene are known as alleles. In most cases, both alleles are simultaneously expressed and allow various cellular processes to function optimally. If one of the alleles is missing or mutated, the expression of the other allele can compensate; however, this is not true for all genes.
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Epigenetics is the study of inherited changes in a cell's phenotype without changing the DNA sequences. It provides a form of memory for the differential gene expression pattern to maintain cell lineage, position-effect variegation, dosage compensation, and maintenance of chromatin structures such as telomeres and centromeres. For example, the structure and location of the centromere on chromosomes are epigenetically inherited. Its functionality is not dictated or ensured by the underlying...
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Most DNA resides in the nucleus of a cell. However, some organelles in the cell cytoplasm⁠—such as chloroplasts and mitochondria⁠—also have their own DNA. These organelles replicate their DNA independently of the nuclear DNA of the cell in which they reside. Non-nuclear inheritance describes the inheritance of genes from structures other than the nucleus.
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Inheritance01:25

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Gregor Mendel's pioneering work on the principles of inheritance fundamentally transformed our understanding of how traits are transmitted from generation to generation. His experiments with pea plants laid the groundwork for the discovery of genes, discrete units within organisms that control heredity.
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Epigenetic changes alter the physical structure of the DNA without changing the genetic sequence and often regulate whether genes are turned on or off. This regulation ensures that each cell produces only proteins necessary for its function. For example, proteins that promote bone growth are not produced in muscle cells. Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
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Updated: Apr 4, 2026

Stable Isotope In-Vivo Labeling for Mass-Spectrometry Identification of Paternal Metabolites Transferred from Sperm to Oocyte During Fertilization
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Transgenerational epigenetic inheritance: an open discussion.

Corina Nagy1, Gustavo Turecki1,2

  • 1McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Hospital University Institute, 6875 Lasalle boul, Montreal, QC, Canada.

Epigenomics
|September 8, 2015
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Transgenerational epigenetics, the inheritance of acquired epigenetic marks, remains controversial. Current evidence suggests limited support for the direct passage of acquired epigenetic marks to subsequent generations.

Keywords:
animal modelsearly developmenthistone modificationshumanintergenerationalmethylationtransgenerational

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Area of Science:

  • Epigenetics
  • Developmental Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Transgenerational epigenetics is a controversial field.
  • Definitions in epigenetics lack precision, leading to premature translation of animal research to humans.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review operational definitions of transgenerational inheritance.
  • To examine epigenetic programming during early development.
  • To critically evaluate recent findings on transgenerational inheritance.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of operational definitions.
  • Analysis of epigenetic programming processes.
  • Critical examination of recent transgenerational inheritance studies.

Main Results:

  • Reviewed definitions of transgenerational inheritance and epigenetic programming.
  • Critically assessed recent studies investigating transgenerational inheritance.
  • Discussed potential mechanisms for epigenetic inheritance.

Conclusions:

  • Evidence for acquired epigenetic marks being passed to subsequent generations is currently limited.
  • Further research with precise definitions is needed to clarify transgenerational epigenetic inheritance.