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Contribution of epigenetic modifications to evolution
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<p><a href="/facts/Epigenetics/UfAAERcn">Epigenetics</a> is the study of changes in <a href="/facts/Gene_expression/alCPohLR">gene expression</a> that occur via mechanisms such as <a href="/facts/DNA_methylation/npoRhsnX">DNA methylation</a>, <a href="/facts/Histone_acetylation/gIzJY5fn">histone acetylation</a>, and <a href="/facts/MicroRNA/UjqbYYpe">microRNA</a> modification. When these epigenetic changes are <a href="/facts/Heritability/REQ3CfRe">heritable</a>, they can influence <a href="/facts/Evolution/Hj0qAaBk">evolution</a>. Current research indicates that epigenetics has played a role in the evolution of a number of <a href="/facts/Organism/j8JkL09u">organisms</a>, including <a href="/facts/Plant/X5BMDMvS">plants</a> and <a href="/facts/Animal/4b8J33nd">animals</a>. </p>