polygenic
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Relating to an inheritable characteristic controlled by multiple genes: "Polygenic" describes a trait or condition whose inheritance and expression are influenced by the combined effect of several different genes, rather than a single gene.
- Determined by polygenes: It refers to something that is governed by a group of genes (polygenes), each contributing a small effect to the overall phenotype.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Height in humans is a classic example of a polygenic trait.
- The researchers studied the polygenic basis of skin color variation.
- Susceptibility to many common diseases, like type 2 diabetes, is often polygenic.
Advanced Usage
"Polygenic risk score (PRS)": A numerical score that estimates an individual's genetic predisposition for a specific disease or trait based on the combined effect of many genetic variants.
- Her polygenic risk score indicated an elevated genetic likelihood for coronary artery disease.
"Polygenic inheritance": The pattern of inheritance for a trait controlled by two or more genes.
- The textbook chapter on polygenic inheritance explained the continuous variation seen in traits like grain color in wheat.
Variants and Related Words
- Polygene (n): Any of a group of genes that collectively control a polygenic trait.
- Each polygene contributes incrementally to the final expression of the characteristic.
Synonyms
- Multigenic: Involving or controlled by multiple genes. (Note: This is a less common synonym.)
- Quantitative (in genetics): Referring to traits showing continuous variation, typically influenced by many genes and the environment.
Related Terms (Not Phrasal Verbs or Idioms)
- Monogenic (adj): Opposite term; relating to a trait controlled by a single gene.
- Oligogenic (adj): Relating to a trait influenced by a small number of genes.
Adjective
- of or relating to an inheritable character that is controlled by several genes at once; of or related to or determined by polygenes