Imprinting is a process that happens beyond genetics, and is therefore called epigenetic. An epigenetic event can change the expression of a cell’s gene without changing the basic genetic code. During imprinting, one or more molecules are added to the gene, acting as a stop code. These molecules tag the DNA and prevent it from being transcribed into proteins, therefore blocking the expression of that gene.
I am so glad I powered though GEB when I was young. It changed the way I see reality, and I’ve based my worldview on that foundation ever since.
It really is an excellent book, just not exactly easy material so I haven’t had the energy for it recently. I’ll get back to it yet! Definitely one of my all time favorites though