Epigenetic is a growing science, and in many occasions the magnified importance of Epigenetic variation reduces the importance of genetic variability. So, are we moving quickly towards accepting the first and denying the second!!
Epigenetic is the final prism of the genetic variations and genetic factors that leads to the changes in the gene outcome and expression. They are coupled but it is much easier to detect the DNA variations because it is stable and fixed while epigenetic variations are more transient and dynamic.
Depends. I do not think that there is a simple answer.
The multitude of cell types derived from a single genome during development clearly demonstrates the power of genetically programmed epigenetics.
The acquired phenotypic differences between genetically identical individuals in the same environment is another way to look at the influence of epigenetics, which in some cases causes stochastic phenotypic variation. Finally, environmental imposts, especially during early life , can lead to phenotypic change much later in life and occasionally in offspring beyond F1 and F2, where direct exposure at the level of say a fetus or its gametes can be ruled out.
My bias is that epigenetic contributions are relatively small compared with genetic contributions except when the former changes developmental trajectories.
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