Question

What is epistasis?

Hint:

Epistasis helps explain complex traits where the expression of one gene depends on the presence or absence of another.

Answer 1

Epistasis refers to the interaction between different genes, where one gene can mask or modify the expression of another gene. Step 1: Understanding epistasis.
- In epistasis, one gene (the epistatic gene) suppresses or alters the expression of another gene (the hypostatic gene) at a different locus.
Step 2: Types of epistasis.
1. Recessive epistasis: The epistatic gene must be homozygous recessive to mask the expression of the other gene. 2. Dominant epistasis: A dominant allele at the epistatic gene locus can suppress the expression of the other gene, regardless of its genotype.
Final Answer: Epistasis is the genetic interaction where one gene suppresses or modifies the expression of another gene at a different locus.