epistasis

English - English

Definition of epistasis in English English dictionary

The modification of the expression of a gene by another unrelated one

Non-linear interaction between genes

Masking of a phenotypic trait through the action of a mutant allele For example, albino (absence of pigment) is epistatic to melanin pigment genes that determine the dark color of zebrafish eyes and stripes

The effect of one variable on another, an interdependence between components rather than an independence

The masking of the phenotypic effect of alleles at one gene by alleles of another gene A situation in which the phenotypic expression of a genotype at one locus depends upon the genotype at another locus

the suppression of a gene by the effect of an unrelated gene

Masking of a phenotypic trait through the action of a mutant allele For example, albinism (absence of pigment) is epistatic to coat color genes that determine black vs brown fur

used to describe the situation where one gene's expression prevents the expression of another (e g you cannot determine whether an albino would have had black or brown hair, though these two traits are controlled by separate genes )

{i} exclusion of a gene by the effect of another unrelated gene (Genetics); stoppage of a secretion (Medicine)

One gene interfers with or prevents the expression of another gene located at a different locus

1 A ``masking'' or ``switching'' effect among genes A gene is said to be epistatic when its presence suppresses the effect of a gene at another locus Epistatic genes are sometimes called inhibiting genes because of their effect on other genes which are described as hypostatic

Related Terms

epistatic

Of or pertaining to epistasis, the interaction between genes

epistatic

{s} (Genetics) of or pertaining to epistasis; caused by epistasis

Hyphenation

e·pis·ta·sis