Epigenetics refers to the study of heritable changes in gene function that occur without changing the underlying DNA sequence. It involves modifications to the genome that affect gene expression, without changing the DNA sequence itself. Synonyms for epigenetics include gene regulation, chromatin remodeling, DNA methylation, and histone modification. Other terms that are sometimes used interchangeably with epigenetics include epigenomics, epigenetic inheritance, and epigenetic modification. These terms describe the same basic process but highlight different aspects of it, emphasizing the importance of understanding the complex interactions between genes and the environment in determining how our genes are expressed and how they influence our health and wellness.