We Can Be Certain We are Seeing Transgenerational Epigenetic Change

Question

We can be certain we are seeing transgenerational epigenetic change when:
A) a hardship can be identified
B) it is realized in the present generation
C) exposures in the womb are known
D) we see it in the fourth generation and absent the initial stimulus
E) grandchildren display the trait due to a grandparent's exposure.

Accepted Answer

Transgenerational epigenetic change is characterized by the inheritance of altered gene expression patterns that persist across generations, in the absence of the initial stimulus or exposure. The best choice is therefore option D, which states that we see transgenerational epigenetic change in the fourth generation and in the absence of the initial stimulus. This is the most reliable way to confirm that a trait is being inherited through epigenetic changes, rather than simply being passed down through genetic mutations or environmental exposures experienced directly by the offspring.