A child possesses a trait that is the result of the interaction of two different genes, neither of which could have produced the trait independently. Which of the following explanations best captures the genetic explanation for this?
A) The trait is an expression of multiple alleles.
B) Epistasis has dictated the phenotypic outcome.
C) The phenomenon is an example of polygenic inheritance.
D) The outcome is the result of the interaction between collaborative genes.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The expression of two genes influencing the same phenotype, neither of which could have produced it alone, is an example of collaborative genes. Multiple alleles involve more than one gene at a particular locus affecting the same trait, and in epistasis, a gene masks the phenotypic effects of another nonallelic gene. Polygenic inheritance involves multiple genes each affecting a small influence on a genetic outcome.

A Child Possesses a Trait That Is the Result of the Interaction