Parental Imprint

Parental imprint refers to a biological process where certain genes are marked or "imprinted" during early development, typically influenced by parental origin. This means that for some genes, only the copy inherited from the mother or the father is active, while the other is silenced. These patterns are established through chemical modifications and play a crucial role in normal development and growth. Disruptions in imprinting can lead to various health conditions, such as growth disorders or developmental abnormalities, highlighting its importance in genetics and medicine.