Question

Explain the sentence: “A gene does not affect the phenotype directly, the gene product affects the phenotype.”

Answer 1

Specific proteins are encoded in the gene, e.g. eye pigments. They are what directly affect the phenotype and since they are just a product from the gene expression, it's said that the gene doesn't directly affect the phenotype. You could have the gene for brown eyes but if there's a problem with the gene expression of the gene, the pigment might not be produced at all or in a smaller quantity.

Answer 2

Since a phenotype is an observable trait, does this mean something like, "The gene doesn't pass on identical traits from parents, but the outcome of the gene affects how the organism will look" ?

I kind of know what it means now; it's just very hard to put into words! Thank you, @Naerro!!

Answer 3

It's hard to put into words indeed. But I think you got it right, @tracyy :)