epigenomic landscape

The epigenomic landscape is a way to visualize how gene activity varies across different cells or states. Think of it as a topographical map where peaks and valleys represent regions of genes that are either active or inactive. Epigenetic marks—chemical modifications on DNA and histones—shape this landscape, influencing which genes are turned on or off without changing the underlying genetic code. This concept helps us understand how cells with the same DNA can have different functions and identities by customizing gene expression patterns through these epigenetic modifications.