Epigenetics is the study of changes in gene activity that do not involve alterations to the underlying DNA sequence. These changes can affect how genes are expressed, meaning they can turn genes on or off without changing the genetic code itself. Factors such as environment, lifestyle, and experiences can influence these epigenetic modifications. One common mechanism of epigenetic change is the addition of chemical tags to DNA or associated proteins, which can impact gene expression. This means that while our DNA provides the blueprint for our traits, epigenetic factors can modify how those traits are realized, potentially affecting health and development.