Definition
Epigenetics studies how experience, environment, and behaviour can switch genes on or off — same DNA, different expression.
Origin
Molecular biology defines epigenetics as heritable (through cell division) changes in gene expression without altering DNA sequence — chiefly DNA methylation and histone modification (Jaenisch & Bird).
Mechanism
Signals (stress, nutrition, relational safety, training load) can leave marks on expression pathways. Meaney’s gene×environment work shows early caregiving can program stress-axis genes in rodents — a landmark for plasticity, not a proof that every coaching input rewrites your genome. Popular psychology often overclaims epigenetics as fast deterministic fate; the sturdier read is context-sensitive expression over time, paired cautiously with Transgenerational memory when reactions feel older than today’s facts.
Sources
Cite
- Jaenisch, R., & Bird, A. (2003). Epigenetic regulation of gene expression: How the genome integrates intrinsic and environmental signals. Nature Genetics, 33(Suppl), 245–254.
- Meaney, M. J. (2010). Epigenetics and the biological definition of gene ×…. Child Development, 81(1), 41–79
Applications
Separate sequence from expression from behaviour — track one tunable input (sleep, safety, load) for two weeks before claiming genetic fate or coaching magic.
Adjacent
- Transgenerational memory · Metabolism · Epigenetic marks
- Biology of Belief (hold — contested popular shelf)