What is Polygene _ It’s Meaning and Definition A trait that is controlled by a group.
What is Polygene _ It’s Meaning and Definition A trait that is controlled by a group.
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Polygene – Meaning and Definition
Definition:
A polygene is one of a group of genes that collectively influence a single trait. These genes each have a small, additive effect, and no single gene dominates the trait’s expression.
In simple terms:
A polygene is not a single gene, but one of many genes that work together to control a complex trait (also called a polygenic trait).
Key Points:
- Traits controlled by polygenes are called polygenic traits.
- These traits show continuous variation, not just “either/or” results.
- Examples include:
- Height
- Skin color
- Weight
- Intelligence
Polygenic Traits vs Single-Gene Traits
| Feature | Single-Gene Trait | Polygenic Trait |
|---|---|---|
| Controlled by | One gene | Many genes (polygenes) |
| Inheritance pattern | Simple Mendelian | Complex, additive |
| Variation | Discrete (e.g., tall or short) | Continuous (e.g., range of heights) |
| Examples | Blood type, Tongue rolling | Height, Eye color, Skin color |
Example:
Human height is influenced by many genes—each one might add a few centimeters or millimeters. The total height depends on how many “tall” or “short” alleles a person inherits.
Let me know if you’d like a diagram or Punnett square example for polygenic inheritance!
