Lect 4 - Effects of Env on Phenotype

Effects of Environment on Phenotype Pg 43

“Nature or Nurture?” POLL: Nurture (environment) primarily shapes who you are POLL: Nature (Genes) primarily shapes who you are Pg 43

• The phenotype of a characteristic is basically determined by the gene(s) controlling that particular characteristic. However, environmental conditions to which an individual is subjected may affect gene expression. • The product of a genotype is generally not a rigidly defined phenotype, but a range of phenotypic possibilities over which there may be variation due to environmental influence. “Nature or Nurture?” Pg 42

• An individual’s phenotype is an outcome of complex interactions among its genes, enzymes and other gene products, and environmental factors. “Nature or Nurture?” Pg 43

“Nature or Nurture?” Overall phenotype Genes Environment Proteins Interaction Range of phenotypes Pg 43

“Nature or Nurture?” Pg 43

The Neubauer study Twins reunited in 2004 Study results : Find out! http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=15 629096 Identical twins separated when young during adoption Led separate lives

Twin studies Not completed. Results locked up in Yale until 2065

The Neubauer study https://www.youtube.com/watch?gl=SG&v=0yTCShemS_0&hl=en - GB

Learning Outcome: 2(m) Explain, with examples, how the environment may affect the phenotype (including how temperature affects fur colour of Himalayan rabbits). Pg 43