> that same modified DNA combines with DNA from the other parent to form the DNA for the child. Sure, but only cell#1 has the actual molecules from the parents

> that same modified DNA combines with DNA from the other parent to form the DNA for the child. Sure, but only cell#1 has the actual molecules from the parents. Cell division requires that the DNA be replicated. What surprises me is that the replication step (apparently) preserves methylation. (If it didn't, there would be no observable epigenetic effect in the organism). i.e. from an information perspective, the bits encoded in the DNA aren't don't just come from the sequence of bases, but also "out of band" data.