Modifier Gene (Noun)
Meaning
A gene that modifies the effect produced by another gene.
Classification
Nouns denoting body parts.
Examples
- The presence of the modifier gene altered the expression of the disease-causing gene in the individual's genome.
- Researchers identified a modifier gene that influenced the severity of the condition by regulating the activity of the primary gene.
- The modifier gene was found to reduce the penetrance of the mutated gene, resulting in a milder phenotype.
- Studies showed that the modifier gene interacted with the autosomal dominant gene to produce a more variable expressivity of the trait.
- In the case of polygenic disorders, modifier genes play a crucial role in modifying the effects of the main disease-causing genes by interacting with them at the molecular level.