Genes and the Environment

AP BiologyFall 2010

The environment contributes to variations in gene expression amoung individuals in a population

Fur on the extremities of Himalayan rabbits will be darker

This is because the enzyme for melanin production will operate at cooler temperatures but, is sensitive to heat on the rest of the body

Cuttings (come from the same parent plant) from Yarrow plant clones grew differently at three different altitudes

Cuttings from one plant grew tall at the lowest and the highest elevation

But a third cutting remained short at mid-elevation

Even though these plants were genetically identical, their phenotypes differed in different environments

The colour of the floral clusters on Hydrangea will vary depending on the acidity of the soil

Some people tolerate stress better than others

Perhaps due to differences in the gene for a serotonin transporting protein

Serotonin compromises response to stress

Understand that environmental factors can influence gene expression, know some examples

How could this be a positive or negative factor?

Would this have anything to do with the nature/nurture debate?