We do understand a lot of the base modifications pretty well, but that's all they are - modifications. I agree that it could be useful to introduce students to

We do understand a lot of the base modifications pretty well, but that's all they are - modifications. I agree that it could be useful to introduce students to the concept of epigenetics, of which base pair modifications such as methyl-cytosine are just one aspect. But it is an aspect that is no more important than all of the other epigenetic mechanisms - so it should be taught in that context. If you're interested in an overview of epigenetics, this is a great textbook chapter from Cold Spring Harbour Laboratory http://www.cshlpress.com/pdf/sample/epigen.pdf http://www.cshlpress.com/pdf/sample/epigen.pdf incidentally, James Watson, the co-discoverer of the structure of DNA, still works at CSHL.