What is the Role of Epigenetic Heterogeneity in Development?

During development, epigenetic heterogeneity plays a crucial role in guiding cell fate decisions and tissue formation. As cells differentiate, specific epigenetic modifications are established to activate or repress genes necessary for the development of specialized cell types. This process ensures that different cell populations within a tissue can perform distinct functions. Epigenetic heterogeneity allows for the fine-tuning of gene expression in response to developmental cues and environmental signals.