# Epigenetics ![](/files/-MP9Q3bQqNRi7Ppz9XvZ) Research has indicated that the genes in our DNA are not all active at the same time and can in fact be ‘silenced’ or ‘de-silenced’, i.e., switched on or off. This process is called gene regulation and leads to differences in gene expression. In other words, processes within cells regulate which genes are expressed or active. To switch a gene off, and to therefore prevent it making the protein it was designed to produce, cells can use chemicals in the body called methyl groups and initiate a process called methylation to block a gene’s effects. However, a gene can be switched back on by the reverse process of demethylation. The study of how genes are switched on and off is called epigenetics. It is important to note that the genes are not permanently altered but their ability to influence our biology is manipulated: the machinery of the genes will again work normally once switched back on. This article, [BeyondDNA: Epigenetics, ](http://www.naturalhistorymag.com/features/142195/beyond-dna-epigenetics)explores the links between nature and nurture. --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://guide.fariaedu.com/psychology-teacher-articles/biological-approach-1/genetics-and-behaviour/epigenetics.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.