Final answer:
Gene-environment interaction may be more precisely called genotypic-environmental interplay or epigenetic plasticity, highlighting the bidirectional and dynamic interaction between genetic makeup and environmental influences, as well as the role of epigenetics in phenotype expression.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term gene-environment interaction might be enhanced for precision by being termed genotypic-environmental interplay or epigenetic plasticity. These terms aim to capture the complex, bidirectional influences exerted between an organism's genetic makeup and its external environment. For instance, genetic-environmental correlation describes how genes can influence environmental exposure, which in turn can affect gene expression. In the case of an NBA player's child, the inherited genes not only predispose the child to potential athletic excellence but also possibly to an environment where these genetic abilities can be nurtured. Conversely, the field of epigenetics extends the concept by illustrating how identical twins, with the same genetic code, can exhibit vastly different phenotypes due to the distinct environmental factors influencing gene expression over time.
Furthermore, the range of reaction concept suggests that genetic potential provides a range within which environmental factors can determine the extent of trait expression. However, the limits of genetic potential are debated, with some arguing that environment alone can shape the reaction norms without pre-set genetic constraints. Ultimately, studies such as the one on schizophrenia spectrum disorder by Tienari et al. and explorations of plant genomics by Des Marais et al. exemplify the intricate dance of genes interacting with varying environmental contexts, underscoring the dynamic nature of this interplay.