Final answer:
Genetic memory refers to epigenetic influences through experiences that are passed to offspring, involving changes in gene expression without altering the underlying DNA. These epigenetic changes can be inherited, potentially affecting the health and behavior of future generations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term genetic memory refers predominantly to C) Epigenetic influences through experiences passed to offspring. This concept emphasizes the role of epigenetic factors, such as DNA methylation and histone modifications, which influence gene expression and can be inherited. The inheritance of these epigenetic changes means that parental experiences, possibly involving nutrition, exposure to toxins, or behavioral choices, might affect the health and development of future generations.
Epigenetics is an area of biology centered on the changes in gene expression that do not involve alterations to the underlying DNA sequence. These changes are heritable and can significantly impact an organism's phenotype. Epigenetic inheritance showcases how factors like environment, diet, and stress can modify gene expression in a way that might be passed onto subsequent generations. Notable examples include the potential multigenerational effects of smoking or the epigenetic memory in organisms like C. elegans that can span numerous generations.