Definition of Polygenic Inheritance



The traits like height, weight, color of the eye and hair exist in a large number but in slightly varied forms. These different forms arise due to the fact that they are controlled and regulated by a number of genes. Each of the gene tends to contribute to forming the final phenotype of the organism. These genes are known as polygenes and they belong to the class of non-epistatic genes.

 


The eye color is majorly controlled by two genes but it is known that there are fourteen more genes that interact additively with them in order to influence the phenotypic trait. Furthermore, the type 2 diabetes is caused by polygenes. 

 

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