3.9 outline ways in which the environment may affect the expression of a gene in an individual
outline ways in which the environment may affect the expression of a gene in an individual
The appearance of an individual is not based solely on their genetic information. The environment of the organism also plays a part.
Hydrangeas are plants that have different flower colour (pink or blue) depending on the pH of the soil they are grown in. In acid soils (less than pH 5) Hydrangeas are blue. In soils that have a pH greater than 7 Hydrangeas are pink. The pH has an effect on the availability of other ions in the soil and it is these ions that are responsible for the colour change. Burke’s Backyard Don Burke, Australia
Hydrangeas! Hydrangeas! Judith King, USA
Another example of the influence of the environment on the appearance is the height of plants. Genetically identical plants will grow to different heights if they are exposed to different growing conditions.