8/29/2021 Additive genes Definition and Examples - Biology Online Dictionary

Dictionary > Additive genes

Additive genes
De nition

noun
Genes that code for the same function or trait and their effects work together on the
phenotype
Supplement

Genes may be classi ed as additive genes or non-additive genes. Additive genes are
those genes that code for the same trait and their effects work together on the
phenotype. An example of a function of additive genes is on the eye colour. Several Ask an
genes work together to determine the colour of the eye of an offspring. Additive genes
are associated with epistasis since they contribute to epistatic effects. In contrast, non- Environmental
additive genes are genes in which there is no summation of the effects of the genes. In
a non-additive gene pair, for instance, not all members of the gene pair will be
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expressed. The gene in a gene pair that is expressed is described as dominant. That
means the dominant gene will not allow the expression of the other gene in the pair.
Additive genes affect the same trait. That is when the dominant forms of both genes
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are present together and produce double effect.1 Members of a gene pair may be
equally expressed and therefore their expression is about the sum of individual effects
of the genes in a pair.2
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epistasis
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Reference(s):
1 Polymerism or Additive factor. Retrieved from http://theagricos.com/genetics/gene-

interactions/polymerism-or-additive-factor/
2 Ask an Environmental
Bates, R. O. and Cleveland, E.R. Basic Concepts of Genetic Improvement. Retrieved from Subscribe
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http://www.nsif.com/Factsheets%5CNSIF-FS2- les/NSIF-FS2.html

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