quote:
Hoot Mon wrote:
I think all "traits" are genetically determined characteristics.
If only things were as simple. Unfortunately, even genetically identical organisms in identical environments can have different phenotypes. For example, the
lac operon possessed by some bacteria includes a heritable epigenetic switch that determines whether or not the organism in which it resides will be able to utilize lactose (i.e. the trait) as a source of energy. If you have the (intact) lac operon you have the potential to metabolize lactose. Thing is, your ability to do so will depend on whether or not your "parent" left the switch in the on position or not (i.e. it's heritable). So, you could find yourself in the situation where you are in a lactose rich environment and you still won't be able to metabolize lactose EVEN THOUGH your genetically identical "sibling" sitting 5 micrometres to your left might be able to.
PLEASE NOTE: the lac operon is bacterial and when I wrote "you" above it implies that "you" are a bacterium (and I'm not claiming that you are Hoot Mon). Confused yet?
Edited by Hawks, : possessor of lac operon added.
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