Definition

In a way that relates to the changes in gene expression that do not involve alterations to the underlying DNA sequence.

Example

The researchers studied how environmental factors can influence gene expression epigenetically.

Conversation

I read an interesting article about how our environment can affect us epigenetically.

Really? I didn't know that our surroundings could change our genes like that.

Yeah, it’s fascinating how things we experience can influence us epigenetically.

That's wild! It makes you think about how important our lifestyle choices are.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Epigenetically → It is formed from "epi-" (meaning upon or above) and "geneticus" (from Greek "genesis", meaning origin or birth) and the suffix "-ally" (meaning in a manner). The word refers to processes that occur on top of or in addition to the genetic basis of an organism.

Memory Tip

Think of 'epi-' meaning 'upon' and 'genetic' relating to 'origin' or 'birth' — this helps you remember that 'epigenetically' refers to processes that affect the genetic expression from above.

Visually Confused Words