The Epigenetics Revolution

Somatic mutations Mutations that happen in the cells of the body, rather than ones that have been inherited via sperm or eggs.

Stochastic variation A random change or fluctuation.

Totipotency The ability of a cell to give rise to all cells of the body and the placenta.

Transcription Copying DNA to create RNA molecules.

Transgenerational inheritance The phenomenon in which phenotypic changes in one generation are passed on to the next, without any alteration in the genetic code.

Uniparental disomy A situation where both members of a pair of chromosomes have been inherited from one parent, rather than one from each parent. For example, maternal uniparental disomy of chromosome 11 would mean both copies of chromosome 11 had come from the mother.

Vernalisation The process where plants need a period of cold before they will flower.

Zygote The totipotent cell formed when an egg and a sperm fuse.