A Phenocopy is phenotype that is induced environmentally by specific genotypes.
The purpose of generating the phenocopy is to be used in reverse genetics. The gene function is disrupted and the phenotype is understood in native conditions.
The effects of phenocopies are compared to mutant phenotypes which are produced by treatment with agents that interfere with the mRNA transcript of gene. The phenocopies are useful in situations in which gene knockout or site-directed mutagenesis is not possible.
Phenocopying can be applied to many organisms irrespective of how well developed the genetic technology is for a given species. It aids in the process of drug discovery through inhibiting a drug target with different functional modulation technologies.