POLYGENETIC Meaning and
Definition
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Polygenetic is an adjective that refers to a trait or characteristic that is determined by the interaction of multiple genes, rather than being controlled by a single gene. It signifies the involvement of multiple genetic factors in the expression of a particular trait or the occurrence of a certain condition.
When a characteristic is polygenetic, it means that different combinations of genes contribute to its development, creating a wide range of phenotypes or variations within a population. This concept is in contrast to traits that are determined by a single gene, which would result in a limited number of possible outcomes.
Polygenetic traits often display a continuous distribution or a gradation of phenotypes, as opposed to distinct categories. Examples of polygenetic traits in humans include height, skin color, and intelligence. These traits are influenced by the effects of multiple genes, each making a small contribution towards the overall outcome.
Studying polygenetic traits is complex because identifying and understanding the specific genes involved can be challenging. Genetic studies often involve large-scale genome-wide association studies to investigate the patterns of genetic variations in relation to these traits. Understanding the polygenetic nature of traits can have implications in fields such as medicine, agriculture, and evolutionary biology, as it helps in predicting and managing genetic variations and hereditary diseases.
Common Misspellings for POLYGENETIC
Etymology of POLYGENETIC
The word "polygenetic" is derived from two roots: "poly" and "genetic".
1. "Poly" comes from the Greek word "polýs", meaning "many" or "multiple". is commonly used as a prefix in English to indicate multiple or many of something. In the context of "polygenetic", this prefix indicates that there are multiple or several origins or sources for the topic in question.
2. "Genetic" comes from the Greek word "genetikos", derived from "genesis", meaning "origin" or "creation". refers to the study of heredity and how characteristics are passed down from one generation to another. In the case of "polygenetic", it specifically relates to the idea of having multiple origins or sources for something.
Therefore, combining these two roots, "polygenetic" refers to something that has multiple origins or sources from a genetic perspective.
Similar spelling words for POLYGENETIC
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