What is the term used to describe all the layers and levels of cell memory and stored information not found in the DNA?

The term that refers to all the layers and levels of cell memory and stored information not found in the DNA is the epigenome. The epigenome encompasses chemical modifications to the DNA and associated proteins, such as histones, that regulate gene expression without altering the underlying genetic sequence. These modifications can influence how genes are turned on or off and can be affected by various environmental factors, experiences, and cellular conditions.

The epigenome allows cells to respond dynamically to their environment and maintains a record of cellular history, which is crucial for processes such as development, differentiation, and adaptation. This stored information plays a significant role in how cells function and interact with one another, contributing to the overall phenotype of an organism.

In contrast, the other terms refer to different concepts: the genotype denotes the genetic constitution of an organism, the phenotype refers to observable traits resulting from the genotype and environmental interactions, and the interactome encompasses the complex network of interactions among molecules within a cell, such as proteins and their interactions with each other and with nucleic acids. Each of these terms represents specific aspects of biological information, but they do not encompass the extensive regulatory and structural elements captured by the concept of the epigenome.