POLYGENIC CHARACTER Meaning and
Definition
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Polygenic character refers to a phenotypic trait or characteristic that is determined by the combined influence of multiple genes, often involving several loci or gene sequences. Unlike a monogenic trait, which is determined by a single gene, polygenic characters are influenced by the interaction and cumulative effects of multiple genes on the phenotype. Examples of polygenic characters include height, skin color, eye color, intelligence, and susceptibility to certain diseases.
In polygenic inheritance, each gene involved may have a small effect on the phenotype, but when considered together, these genes collectively contribute to the overall variation of the trait. Hence, the expression of polygenic characters is typically more complex and continuous, as opposed to the discontinuous variation observed in monogenic traits that follow Mendelian patterns of inheritance.
Polygenic characters are often influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. These traits are also affected by interactions between the genes involved, as well as interactions between genes and environmental factors. This complexity makes it challenging to predict an individual's phenotype solely based on their genotype, as the influence of each gene may vary depending on the presence of other genes and environmental conditions.
The study of polygenic characters and their inheritance patterns is important in fields such as genetics, medicine, and agriculture. Understanding the underlying genetic factors and their complex interactions can provide insights into the development of diseases, the breeding of plants and animals, and the prediction of human traits.
Common Misspellings for POLYGENIC CHARACTER
- oolygenic character
- lolygenic character
- -olygenic character
- 0olygenic character
- pilygenic character
- pklygenic character
- pllygenic character
- pplygenic character
- p0lygenic character
- p9lygenic character
- pokygenic character
- popygenic character
- pooygenic character
- poltgenic character
- polggenic character
- polhgenic character
- polugenic character
- pol7genic character
- pol6genic character
- polyfenic character
Etymology of POLYGENIC CHARACTER
The word "Polygenic" is derived from the Greek words "polys" meaning "many" or "multiple", and "genesis" meaning "origin" or "production". In the context of genetics, "polygenic" refers to a genetic trait or characteristic that is determined by the combined influence of multiple genes.
The word "Character" has Latin roots, derived from the Latin word "character" meaning "mark" or "distinctive quality". In genetics, a "character" refers to any observable or measurable feature or trait of an organism.
Therefore, the term "Polygenic Character" combines these two roots to describe a trait or characteristic that is influenced by multiple genes.
