Cell processes are also determined by the chemical labeling (or marks) and
specific spatial organization of our genomes, which are epigenetic characteristics — that is, nongenetic but nonetheless inheritable traits.
To find out the
specific metabolic pathways affected by disease or stress, the Tufts scientists looked at three parameters: the ratio of FAD to NADH, the fluorescence «fade» of NADH, and the
organization of the mitochondria as revealed by the
spatial distribution of NADH within a cell (the energy producing «batteries» of the cell).