Frequently asked questions

  • What is epigenetics?

    • The study of modifications to DNA that change the activity of genes (on, off, or altered) without changing the DNA sequence. While DNA provides a genetic “blueprint”, these modifying marks on DNA can change how DNA is read and used.

  • What is genomics?

    • Genomics is the field of science that examines the structure, function, mapping and editing of genomes.

  • What is a genome?

    • A genome is the complete set of DNA in an organism.

  • What is DNA methylation?

    • DNA methylation is an epigenetic modification. It is a biochemical process of adding a carbon and three hydrogen atoms, which is called a methyl group, to a DNA molecule. Demethylation is the subtraction of this methyl group from DNA. Essentially, this is a process that can turn genes “on”, “off”, or alter expression.

  • What is the intrauterine environment?

    • The intrauterine environment means occurring inside the uterus.