What impact can environments have on genetic expressions?

Environments can indeed enhance or suppress gene expression, which is recognized as a fundamental aspect of gene regulation. This phenomenon is known as epigenetics, where external factors such as diet, stress, and exposure to toxins can influence the way genes are turned on or off without changing the underlying DNA sequence.

For instance, certain environmental conditions can lead to the addition of chemical groups to DNA or to the proteins associated with DNA, affecting how genes are expressed. This means that while the genetic code remains unchanged, the functionality of those genes can be significantly influenced by external factors, leading to changes in an organism's characteristics or behaviors over time.

This interplay between environment and genetics is crucial in understanding complex traits and diseases, as it highlights how both inherited genetic information and environmental context collaboratively shape biological outcomes.