While famous for its role in encoding genetic information,DNA double helix also has a complex and dynamic three-dimensional structure. This structure is not static; it can bend, twist, and loop in various ways, creating a spatial organization that is crucial for regulating gene expression.
Recent research has revealed that the way DNA is folded and twisted can influence which genes are “turned on” or expressed, and which are “turned off.” This additional layer of information, known as epigenetic information, is not directly related to the sequence of A, C, G, and T bases, but rather to the physical arrangement of the DNA molecule.
Epigenetic changes can occur in response to environmental factors, such as diet or stress, and can also be inherited across generations. This means that factors outside the DNA sequence itself can influence how genes are expressed, impacting traits and disease susceptibility.