Polygenic inheritance

Polygenic Inheritance

Polygenic inheritance (pronunciation: /ˌpɒliˈdʒɛnɪk ɪnˈhɛrɪtəns/) refers to the kind of inheritance in which the trait is produced from the cumulative effects of many genes.

Etymology

The term "polygenic" is derived from the Greek words "poly" meaning "many" and "genes" meaning "born of, produced by". The term "inheritance" comes from the Latin word "inheritare" which means "to come into possession of".

Definition

Polygenic inheritance is a non-Mendelian form of inheritance. In this type of inheritance, one characteristic is controlled by two or more genes. These genes, often called polygenes, might be located on the same chromosome or on different chromosomes.

Examples

Examples of human characteristics that are polygenic include skin color, height, and weight. These traits do not follow the simple Mendelian laws of inheritance where traits are determined by a single gene. Instead, they are influenced by multiple genes and often environmental factors as well.

Related Terms

Genotype: The genetic makeup of an organism or group of organisms with reference to a single trait, set of traits, or an entire complex of traits.
Phenotype: The observable properties of an organism that are produced by the interaction of the genotype and the environment.
Quantitative trait locus (QTL): A region of DNA which is associated with a particular phenotypic trait, which varies in degree and can be attributed to polygenic effects.
Mendelian inheritance: The pattern of inheritance that was first described by Gregor Mendel in 1865 and 1866, and still forms the core of classical genetic teachings today.