Genetics: Role of the Environment in Genetics

Question 1

What factors in the environment effect genetics?

Answer 1

1: Temperature
2: Light

Question 2

What are examples of genetics being effected by temperature?

Answer 2

1: Himalayan rabbits
2: Painted turtles
3: Curly winged fruit flies

Question 3

How does temperature affect himalayan rabbits genetics?

Answer 3

C gene carried by rabbits develops pigments, with their expression being temperature regulated. The C gene is inactive above 35 degrees and is most active from 15-25 degrees. The rabbits central body is warm so the gene is inactive therefore no pigment making these parts white. The rabbits extremities have temperatures below 35 degrees making the gene active and producing pigment making these parts black.

Question 4

How does temperature affect painted turtles genetics?

Answer 4

High incubation temperature produces females and low incubation temperature produces males.

Question 5

How does temperature affect fruit flies genetics?

Answer 5

When raised at 25 degrees their wings are mutated and become curly (Homozygous) and when raised at 16 degrees their wings are straight.

Question 6

How does light affect butterfly/caterpillar genetics?

Answer 6

-Caterpillars exposed to red light have vibrantly coloured wings
-Caterpillars exposed to green light have dusky coloured wings
-Caterpillars exposed to blue light or left in darkness have pale coloured wings, but were also larger in size