University of Tennessee, College of Social Work, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA.
Soc Work. 2013 Jan;58(1):23-30. doi: 10.1093/sw/sws052.
Epigenesis is the biochemical process through which some genes are expressed and others remain silent, and it reinforces and explains the powerful impact that the environment has on human development. Epigenetic effects occur not only through diet, chemical exposure, and high levels of environmental stress, but also through chronic poverty and racism. Epigenesis provides a mandate for social workers to intervene at the policy level, both for today's children and for those in future generations.
表观遗传学是一个生化过程，在此过程中一些基因被表达而另一些则保持沉默，它加强并解释了环境对人类发展的强大影响。表观遗传效应不仅通过饮食、化学暴露和高水平的环境压力产生，还通过长期贫困和种族主义产生。表观遗传学为社会工作者提供了在政策层面进行干预的任务，不仅是为了今天的儿童，也是为了未来几代人。
