Quantitative genetics

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Quantitative Genetics

Quantitative genetics (pronunciation: kwon-tuh-tey-tiv jen-et-iks) is a branch of genetics that deals with the genetic mechanisms and statistical analysis of traits that are determined by many genes, each contributing a small amount to the trait.

Etymology

The term "quantitative genetics" is derived from the word "quantity", meaning a certain, indefinite amount of something, and "genetics", the study of genes, genetic variation, and heredity in living organisms.

Definition

Quantitative genetics is concerned with the genetic basis of continuous variation in traits that are influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. These traits are often described by a statistical distribution and are typically measured on a continuous scale. Examples of such traits include height, weight, and blood pressure in humans, or yield, drought tolerance, and disease resistance in plants.

History

Quantitative genetics originated from the work of Gregor Mendel and his studies on pea plants. However, it was not until the 20th century that the field began to take shape, with the work of scientists such as Ronald Fisher and Sewall Wright.

Methods

Quantitative genetics uses statistical methods to link variation in observable traits to genetic variation. These methods include heritability estimates, quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping, and genome-wide association studies (GWAS).

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 physical or biochemical characteristics of an organism, as determined by both genetic makeup and environmental influences.
  • Polygenic traits: Traits that are controlled by more than one gene. Such traits may even be controlled by genes located on entirely different chromosomes.
  • Epistasis: A phenomenon where the effects of one gene are modified by one or several other genes, which are sometimes called modifier genes.

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