phenocopy

phenocopy /phe·no·copy/ (fe´no-kop″e) an environmentally induced phenotype mimicking one usually produced by a specific genotype.

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phe·no·cop·y (fn-kp)

n.

1. An environmentally induced, nonhereditary variation in an organism, closely resembling a genetically determined trait.

2. An individual exhibiting such a variation.

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phenocopy

[fē′nōkop′ē]

Etymology: Gk, phainein, to appear; L, copia, plenty

a phenotypic trait or condition that is induced by environmental factors but closely resembles a phenotype usually produced by a specific genotype. The trait is neither inherited nor transmitted to offspring. Such conditions as deafness, cretinism, mental retardation, and congenital cataracts are caused by mutant genes but can also result from a number of different agents, such as the rubella virus in the case of congenital cataracts. Because phenocopies may present problems in genetic screening and genetic counseling, all exogenous factors must be ruled out before any congenital trait or defect is labeled hereditary.

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phenocopy

1. an environmentally induced phenotype mimicking one usually produced by a specific genotype.

2. an individual exhibiting such a phenotype; the simulated trait in a phenocopy.

3. experimentally produced phenocopies have been created in unfertilized rabbit eggs by the microinjection of the nuclei of embryonic rabbit cells.