Q. 10.  For the expression of traits genes provide only the potentiality and the environment provides the opportunity. Comment on the veracity of the statement.


Obviously, genes are not the only factors that determine phenotype. The environment also plays an important role in the expression of traits. Genes are actually quite active throughout our lives, switching their expression on and off in response to the environment.

Besides the effect of internal factors like hormones and metabolism on gene expression, external factors like temperature, light, nutrition, etc., also affect the gene expression and ultimately exhibiting phenotypic changes.

So, we can say that genes provide only the potentiality and the environment provides the opportunity for the expression of traits.