Final answer:
An epigenetic modification refers to heritable changes in gene expression caused by mechanisms that do not alter DNA sequence. Such changes can influence an individual's allergy responses and offer potential for novel treatments.
Step-by-step explanation:
An epigenetic modification means that there might be heritable changes in gene expression that do not involve alterations to the underlying DNA sequence. Such changes can be caused by environmental factors like diet, stress, and exposure to toxins, which lead to modifications of the DNA or the proteins around it (e.g. histones).
These modifications can affect how genes are turned on or off, essentially influencing how cells function without changing the genetic code itself. For instance, if Tyler had an allergic response to peanuts, it might be due to epigenetic changes that affect his immune system's reactivity to peanut proteins. Repeated exposure or environmental cues could have caused epigenetic marks to develop in a way that triggers an intense allergic response.
Understanding epigenetics is crucial since it offers a way to explain variations in how individuals respond to the same environmental factors. Moreover, it opens up potential avenues for treating conditions like allergies by targeting epigenetic changes rather than the genes themselves.