Download Gene Environment Interactions

Gene Environment
Interactions
Effect of the environment on gene
interactions
External environmental factors can
modify the phenotype coded by genes.
 This can occur in the development of the
embryo or later in life.

Genotype
Phenotype
Environment
Activity

Think of examples for the following:
Temperature
 Altitude
 Presence of other organisms


Sex of some animals is determined by
the temp at which they were incubated.

Increasing altitude can stunt the
phenotype of some plants. This is
termed ‘cline’
Presence of other individuals of the
same species may control the
determination of sex
eg in the wrasse family

female

Some organisms change their
morphology or body shape in the
presence of other potentially
harmful organisms
male
daphnia

Hydrangea changes colour of flower
depending on soil acidity.

Siamese and colour pointing.
Temperature sensitive enzyme that
produces melanin