Citation

The inheritance of acquired epigenetic modifications

Eva Jablonka, Marion J. Lamb

International Journal of Epidemiology (2015)

TL;DR

Epigenetic modifications can persist across multiple generations

Examines how epigenetic modifications (chemical tags affecting gene expression without changing DNA) can be inherited across generations. Shows how parental experiences can modify offspring development - a form of ecological inheritance where parents 'prepare' offspring for environments they experienced.

Key Findings from Jablonka & Lamb (2015)

  • Epigenetic modifications can persist across multiple generations
  • Parental stress can induce inheritable changes in offspring phenotypes
  • Epigenetic inheritance represents a mechanism for transmitting environmental information

Related Mechanisms for The inheritance of acquired epigenetic modifications