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Related Concept Videos

Epigenetic Regulation01:37

Epigenetic Regulation

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.
X-chromosome...
Epigenetic Regulation01:46

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
Epigenetic Regulation01:46

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
Natural Selection and Adaptation01:15

Natural Selection and Adaptation

Natural selection, a fundamental concept in evolutionary biology, is the mechanism by which evolution is driven, favoring organisms that are best adapted to their environments. This process enhances their chances of survival and reproduction. Adaptation, a key outcome of this process, involves genetic modifications that optimize an organism's functionality under specific environmental challenges, such as extreme cold or thinner air at high altitudes.
Beyond physical adaptations, psychological...
Gene Evolution - Fast or Slow?02:05

Gene Evolution - Fast or Slow?

The genomes of eukaryotes are punctuated by long stretches of sequence which do not code for proteins or RNAs. Although some of these regions do contain crucial regulatory sequences, the vast majority of this DNA serves no known function. Typically, these regions of the genome are the ones in which the fastest change, in evolutionary terms, is observed, because there is typically little to no selection pressure acting on these regions to preserve their sequences.
In contrast, regions which code...
Gene Evolution - Fast or Slow?02:05

Gene Evolution - Fast or Slow?

The genomes of eukaryotes are punctuated by long stretches of sequence which do not code for proteins or RNAs. Although some of these regions do contain crucial regulatory sequences, the vast majority of this DNA serves no known function. Typically, these regions of the genome are the ones in which the fastest change, in evolutionary terms, is observed, because there is typically little to no selection pressure acting on these regions to preserve their sequences.
In contrast, regions which code...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Procedure for Adaptive Laboratory Evolution of Microorganisms Using a Chemostat
06:03

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Published on: September 20, 2016

A role for epigenetics in rapid adaptation.

Reid S Brennan1, Melissa H Pespeni2

  • 1Marine Mammal and Turtle Division, Southeast Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Miami, FL, USA.

Trends in Genetics : TIG
|June 18, 2026
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Epigenetic variation aids rapid adaptation and evolution. Multigenerational studies using temporal sampling are crucial to understand how epigenetic changes interact with genetic shifts and impact fitness.

Keywords:
epigeneticsevolutionary rescuegenomicsplasticityrapid adaptation

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Last Updated: Jun 20, 2026

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Published on: September 20, 2016

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary biology
  • Genetics
  • Epigenetics

Background:

  • Epigenetic variation is increasingly recognized for its role in rapid adaptation.
  • The interplay between epigenetic and genetic changes during evolutionary rescue is not fully understood.
  • Key questions persist regarding the timing, persistence, and fitness consequences of epigenetic shifts.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To address critical knowledge gaps concerning the role of epigenetic variation in evolutionary processes.
  • To investigate the temporal dynamics of epigenetic changes relative to genetic alterations.
  • To determine the long-term effects and fitness implications of epigenetic modifications in adaptation.

Main Methods:

  • Proposing temporal sampling strategies.
  • Utilizing multigenerational study designs.
  • Analyzing interactions between epigenetic and genetic variation.

Main Results:

  • Temporal sampling across multigenerational studies is identified as the most promising approach.
  • This methodology is expected to elucidate the sequence and impact of epigenetic and genetic changes.
  • The proposed methods will facilitate a deeper understanding of adaptation mechanisms.

Conclusions:

  • Multigenerational temporal sampling is essential for resolving the role of epigenetics in evolution.
  • Further research using these methods will clarify how epigenetic variation contributes to evolutionary rescue.
  • Understanding these dynamics is key to predicting species' responses to environmental change.