Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2-1-2005

Published In

Journal Of Biosciences

Abstract

The environment can play a significant role in the production of phenotypes. However, the developmental mechanisms by which the environmental agents effect normal development are Just becoming known. At least three paths have been found through which the environment can modify gene activity. The first is the neuroendocrine route. Here, the nervous system monitors the environment and transfers signals to the endocrine system. The endocrine hormones can then alter gene expression. The second route involves environmental factors that change the methylation pattern of genes, thereby altering their transcriptional capabilities. The third route involves the direct induction of gene expression in the host by microbial symbionts. The normal regulation of phenotype production by the environment should be considered a normal component of development and developmental biology.

Comments

This work is freely available courtesy of the Indian Academy of Sciences and Springer Verlag.

Download

Included in

Biology Commons

Share

COinS