Description of Genotype and Phenotype - Essay Example

This implies that they control formation of proteins macromolecules to synthesis and metabolism. Genotypes are represented by alleles. Examples of possible genotypes are: TT (taster), Tt (taster) and tt (non-taster). The contrasting allele is recessive and it is denoted by (tt) while the tasting allele is (TT) or (Tt).This is because alleles always occur in pairs (Brouillard, Boon, Revencu, Berg, & Dompmartin, 2013, p. 8).On the other hand, phenotype refers to the observable physical or biochemical characteristics of an individual (Jeffrey, 2008, p. 447). This is anything within an organism that is part of the observable structure, behaviour or function.

Phenotype unlike genotype is determined by both environmental influences and genetic makeup these include height, skin colour and weight. Environmental factors are varied and they are derived from diet, illness, stress and climate. According to Mendel phenotype is the outward physical appearance on a particular trait of an organism.How Nature and Nurture Act together to Influence our BehaviourAll aspects of human behaviour are affected and influenced by both nature and nurture where the two operate together.

Nature refers to all the evolutionary factors that shape the genetics which we inherit from our parents and ancestors. On the other hand, nurture refers to all the things have influenced human beings since they began to grow and develop right from the time of conception. Further details reveal that nature determines human potential while nurture affects how the human potential is actualized through support and hindrances of both good and bad environmental output (Powell & Symbaluk, 2012, p. 191).John B.Watson performed an experiment in which “Albert B”popularly known as Little Albert at the age of 9 months was exposed to a series of stimuli including rabbit, masks, rat, and monkey and burning newspapers.

When the boy’s observations were made, he showed no fear. In a second experiment, the boy was exposed to a rat while Watson made a loud noise by hitting a metal pipe with a hammer. Naturally the boy began crying after hearing the loud noise and seeing the rat. This experiment demonstrated that emotional reactions could be classically conditioned in people.Other experiments that were used include the twin/adoption studies: In this study two identical twins were separated at birth and grew in different environments.

Later when they were reunited, they showed similar characteristics including, interests, talents, personalities and behaviour.An overall assessment of the study reveals that there is evidence that supports both nature and nurture. This implies that nature does affect us in the sense that we share same characteristics as family members as depicted by the twin experiment. On the other hand, nurture affects us as shown in Little Albert experiment.