epigenome
noun
epi·ge·nome
ˌe-pə-ˈjē-ˌnōm
: the complement of chemical compounds that modify the expression and function of the genome
Access to the genes is controlled by the epigenome, a layer of millions of proteins and other marks that attach themselves to the genome.—Nicholas Wade
Working out which genes are switched on or not involves looking at the epigenome, or the chemical "methyl" tags attached to genes.—New Scientist
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