Epigenetic marks are faithfully transmitted through both mitosis and meiosis
While certain specialized epigenetic marks and small RNAs can occasionally bypass reprogramming and be transmitted across generations (transgenerational epigenetic inheritance), the vast majority of epigenetic marks are actively erased and reset during both mitosis and, especially, meiosis.
The claim states that epigenetic marks are faithfully transmitted through both mitosis and meiosis. While mitotic maintenance of epigenetic memory is well-studied, meiosis involves extensive epigenetic reprogramming ('erasure') designed to reset the epigenome. Although transgenerational epigenetic inheritance (TEI) does occur in specific contexts (as supported by papers [5], [6], and [7]), the overwhelming consensus across the literature (emphasized in papers [0], [2], and [6]) is that epigenetic resetting is the norm during sexual reproduction, and faithful transmission is the exception rather than the rule. Thus, the claim is contested.
Chenming Zeng, Giulia Furlan, Miguel Vasconcelos Almeida, J. C. Rueda-Silva, Jonathan L. Price, Helena Santos-Rosa, Jingxiu Xu, Yan Kuang, Enric Cata Socias, J. Mars, Pedro Rebelo-Guiomar, Meng Huang, Shouhong Guang, F. Butter, Eric A. Miska. A SET domain-containing protein and HCF-1 maintain transgenerational epigenetic memory. 2025. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-68200-7
Paper [5] demonstrates that specific SET-domain proteins help maintain transgenerational epigenetic memory in the germline across generations.
Penny J. Tricker. Transgenerational inheritance or resetting of stress-induced epigenetic modifications: two sides of the same coin. 2015. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2015.00699
Paper [0] argues that transgenerational inheritance is not general and that non-transmission or resetting of epigenetic marks through meiosis is widespread.
See more details
Jong-Joo Cheong. Transgenerational Transmission of Epigenetic Marks During Reproduction in Arabidopsis. 2025. https://doi.org/10.59249/EWLZ5537
Paper [6] highlights that certain plants achieve transgenerational epigenetic inheritance by transmitting repressive marks like DNA methylation and H3K27me3 through reproduction.
Anas Abou Merhi, Vivek Sivan, J. Koueik, A. Walsh, L. Papale, Reid S. Alisch, K. Hogan, Bermans J. Iskandar. Transgenerational Non-Genomic Transmission of Acquired Nervous System Phenotypes: Narrative Review and Epigenetic Insights.. 2025. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuint.2025.106088
Paper [7] notes that specific epigenetic pathways, such as DNA methylation at metastable epialleles, can escape erasure and transmit acquired phenotypes across generations.
Yu-Huey Lin, Jake D Lehle, J. McCarrey. Source cell-type epigenetic memory persists in induced pluripotent cells but is lost in subsequently derived germline cells. 2024. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcell.2024.1306530
Paper [2] shows that extensive epigenetic reprogramming occurs during germline development, erasing source cell memory.
Jong-Joo Cheong. Transgenerational Transmission of Epigenetic Marks During Reproduction in Arabidopsis. 2025. https://doi.org/10.59249/EWLZ5537
Paper [6] notes that, in general, epigenetically modified parental chromatin is extensively erased by reprogramming during reproduction, leaving little possibility of being inherited.
The paper trail · every fact has a biography
Challenge the receipt
Citation formatting by citeproc-js (Frank Bennett) and the Citation Style Language project. Source and licenses.
Terms · Privacy · How verdicts work · Dispute this receipt