Epistasis is when one gene affects the expression of another gene, while polygenic inheritance involves multiple genes contributing to a single trait. Epistasis involves the interaction between genes, while polygenic inheritance involves the cumulative effect of multiple genes on a trait.
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Mendelian genetics follows predictable patterns of inheritance based on dominant and recessive alleles, while non-Mendelian genetics involves more complex inheritance patterns such as incomplete dominance, codominance, and polygenic inheritance. Mendelian genetics is based on the principles discovered by Gregor Mendel, while non-Mendelian genetics includes variations that do not strictly follow Mendel's laws.
Polygenic inheritance refers to the determination of a trait that is influenced by the interaction of multiple genes. These genes can have additive or synergistic effects on the phenotype, resulting in a continuous range of variations for the trait. Examples of polygenic traits include height, skin color, and intelligence.
A polygenic trait is a characteristic that is influenced by multiple genes, each making a small contribution to the trait. This results in a continuous range of phenotypic variation. Examples of polygenic traits include height, skin color, and intelligence.
Mendelian genetics follows the principles of segregation and independent assortment of alleles, leading to predictable ratios of offspring genotypes. Non-Mendelian genetics involves phenomena such as incomplete dominance, codominance, and gene interactions which do not always adhere to Mendel's laws and can result in more complex patterns of inheritance.
If the trait in question shows a wide range of variation and does not follow a simple dominant-recessive pattern, it could indicate polygenic inheritance. Additionally, if the trait cannot be easily categorized into discrete categories or if it is influenced by multiple genes located on different chromosomes, it may be a sign of polygenic inheritance.