AGB 121: Principles of Animal Genetics and Population Genetics (2+1)

PHENOCOPY

• Not all the changes in phenotype are the result of genetic causes. The environment for example temperature may influence the development of an embryo. The result of an environmental influence, which mimics the effect of a specific allele, is referred to as phenocopy.
• A phenocopy is a one-time event affecting the phenotype but not causing any transmissible change in the genotype. This is not transmitted to offspring in the way like that of the genetic abnormality.
• Example: Harelip condition in mice due to injection cortisone, low oxygen concentration and removal of amniotic fluid around embryo.