Polygene (Noun)
Meaning
A gene that by itself has little effect on the phenotype but which can act together with others to produce observable variations.
Classification
Nouns denoting body parts.
Examples
- A single polygene typically has a minor effect on the development of a particular trait, but collectively, many polygenes can influence the overall expression of the trait.
- Polygenes interact with one another to create complex and diverse phenotypes that cannot be explained by the effects of individual genes.
- Researchers studying height found that it is influenced by numerous polygenes, each contributing a small effect that collectively determine an individual's adult height.
- In genetics, polygenes play a crucial role in the manifestation of complex traits, such as eye color and skin color, which are determined by multiple genes.
- By studying the interactions between polygenes, scientists can better understand the underlying genetic mechanisms that govern the development of various phenotypes.