Definition

1. Noun:
   • The suppression of a gene by the effect of an unrelated gene: In genetics, epistasis refers to a phenomenon where the expression of one gene is masked or modified by one or more other genes. It describes an interaction between genes that are not alleles of each other.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The scientist studied the epistasis that prevented the coat color gene from being expressed.
  • Epistasis complicates the prediction of traits from genetic makeup alone.

Advanced Usage

• Epistatic interaction: This term describes the specific relationship where one gene (the epistatic gene) affects the phenotypic expression of another gene (the hypostatic gene).
  • The research paper detailed a complex epistatic interaction influencing disease susceptibility.

Variants and Related Words

• Epistatic (adj): Of or relating to epistasis.
  • The epistatic effect was clearly observed in the laboratory mice.

Synonyms

• Gene interaction: A more general term for when multiple genes influence a single trait.
• Genetic suppression: Specifically describes the inhibitory aspect of epistasis.

Notes on Meaning

Epistasis specifically denotes an interaction where the effect of one gene is dependent on the presence of one or more modifier genes. It is a key concept in understanding non-Mendelian inheritance patterns and the complexity of genetic traits. The suppressed gene is called the hypostatic gene.

Noun

1. the suppression of a gene by the effect of an unrelated gene