Final answer:
Imprinted genes are an example of the epigenetic regulation of gene expression, where only one allele of a gene is active, based on the parent of origin.
Step-by-step explanation:
Imprinted genes provide an example of a fascinating genetic phenomenon that involves the regulation of gene expression in a parent-of-origin specific manner. Imprinting is an epigenetic process by which certain genes are expressed in a monoallelic way, meaning that only one allele of a gene is active while the other is silenced. This silencing can occur through different mechanisms, including DNA methylation and histone modifications, which do not alter the DNA sequence itself but modify chromatin structure and influence gene expression. This process ensures that offspring receive the correct dosage of specific genes, which is crucial for normal development and has been implicated in various diseases when dysregulated.