A phenocopy is a variation in phenotype (generally referring to a single trait) which is caused by environmental conditions (often, but not necessarily, during the organism's development), such that the organism's phenotype matches a phenotype which is determined by genetic factors.

What is a phenocopy in genetics?

Listen to pronunciation. (FEE-noh-KAH-pee) A phenotypic trait or disease that resembles the trait expressed by a particular genotype, but in an individual who is not a carrier of that genotype.

What does the phenocopy copy?

Summary. --The concept of the phenocopy is examined from the point of view of psychology. Two main uses are described: to refer to artificially in- duced versions of phenotypes usually associated with mutant genes and to designate naturally occurring alternate phenotypes which appear in different environments.