phenocopy (english) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

Noun

Phonetic Transcription

/ˈfiː.nəʊˌkɒp.i/

Meaning and Usage

A phenocopy refers to a trait or characteristic that appears similar to a genetic phenotype but is actually caused by environmental factors rather than genetic inheritance. It is primarily used in biological and genetic contexts to describe how different environmental conditions can affect the expression of phenotypic traits. The term sees relatively specialized usage, predominantly within written contexts such as academic literature, scientific studies, and discussions surrounding genetics and ecology. It may appear less frequently in day-to-day conversation due to its specificity.

Example Sentences

1. The researcher noted that the phenocopy of the flower observed in the drought conditions was different from the genetic variant found in wetter environments.

2. Исследователь отметил, что фенокопия цветка, наблюдаемая в условиях засухи, отличалась от генетического варианта, найденного в более сырых условиях.

3. Understanding phenocopies is critical for accurate plant breeding, as environmental pressures can mislead genetic evaluations.

4. Понимание фенокопий критически важно для точного селекционного разведения растений, поскольку экологические факторы могут вводить в заблуждение при генетической оценке.

5. Scientists are studying phenocopies to ascertain how climate change may influence species adaptation.

6. Ученые изучают фенокопии, чтобы определить, как изменение климата может повлиять на адаптацию видов.

Idiomatic Expressions

The term "phenocopy" is not often used in idiomatic expressions in everyday English. However, the concept of phenotypic variation might relate to various idiomatic phrases in scientific discourses, though these would not be direct expressions. Here are a few related phrases that deal with variations influenced by environmental conditions:

1. "Survival of the fittest" emphasizes how environmental pressures lead to various adaptations, akin to phenocopies.

2. «Выживает сильнейший» подчеркивает, как экологические факторы приводят к различным адаптациям, похожими на фенокопии.

3. "Nature vs. nurture" speaks to the debate about how much of an organism's phenotype is due to genetic inheritance versus environmental influences, reflecting the concept of phenocopies.

4. «Природа против воспитания» говорит о споре о том, насколько фенотип организма зависит от генетического наследия и насколько от экологических влияний, что отражает концепцию фенокопий.

5. "Adapt or perish" illustrates the idea that organisms must adapt to their environmental conditions, similar to how phenocopies manifest.

6. «Адаптируйся или умри» иллюстрирует идею о том, что организмы должны адаптироваться к своим экологическим условиям, подобно тому, как проявляются фенокопии.

Etymology

The term "phenocopy" is derived from the combination of "pheno-", relating to phenotype (the observable physical characteristics of an organism), and "copy" indicating a resemblance or duplication. It highlights the distinction between true genetic characteristics and those that arise due to environmental factors.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: - Environmental trait - Phenotypic mimicry

Antonyms: - Genotype (in the context of inherited traits) - Genetic expression