Epigenetics/Inheritance and the Environment

The genome’s dynamic response to the environment

Epigenetics is an emerging field of science that studies heritable changes caused by the activation and deactivation of genes without any change in the underlying DNA sequence of the organism. The wordepigenetics is of Greek origin and literally means over and above (epi) the genome.

Learn more from scientific experts about Epigenetics/Inheritance and the Environment at NHGRI's Talking Glossary

MATERIALS FOR EPIGENETICS/INHERITANCE AND THE ENVIRONMENT

ARTICLES/RESEARCH

Epigenetic Influences and Disease

Description: An article by Danielle Simmons on how epigenetic changes are involved in human disease

Source: Nature Education
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URL: http://www.nature.com/scitable/topicpage/epigenetic-influences-and-disease-895

Genetics and Epigenetics (PDF 119.49 KB)

Description: A printable poster introducing the concept of epigenetics

Source: Center for Ecogenetics and Environmental Health
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URL: http://depts.washington.edu/ceeh/downloads/Poster_Epigenetics.pdf

GAMES

Lick Your Rats

Description: An interactive activity demonstrating how nurturing a pup can produce epigenetic change

Source: Genetics Science Learning Center at the University of Utah
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URL: http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/epigenetics/rats/

INTERACTIVE TUTORIALS

Epigenetics

Description: Information, videos, and interactive tutorials on epigenetics

Source: Genetics Science Learning Center at the University of Utah
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URL: http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/epigenetics/

TEACHER RESOURCES

NOVA scienceNOW - Epigenetics (Lesson Plans/Lesson Activities)

Description: A classroom activity on epigenetics

Source: WGBH Educational Foundation
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URL: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/education/activities/3411_02_nsn.html

What Makes Honey Bees Work Together? (Lesson Plans/Lesson Activities)

Description: A series of lesson plans exploring how genes and environment affect behavior, as well as introduces students to research tools used to investigate gene expression. You may need to register to view the lesson plans, but the plans and registration is free.

Source: Project NEURON, University of Illinois
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URL: https://neuron.illinois.edu/units/what-makes-honey-bees-work-together

What Makes Me Tick...Tock? Circadian Rhythms, Genetics, and Health (Lesson Plans/Lesson Activities)

Description: A series of lesson plans exploring how environment, genes, and proteins affect behavior. The lesson plans incorporate real-life examples, case studies, and interactive online components to teach concepts of epigenetics. You may need to register to view the lesson plans, but the plans and registration is free.