Definition

A genetic interaction where one gene can hide or suppress the effect of another gene that is not its allele.

Example

In genetics, epistasis can significantly influence the traits of an organism by masking the effects of other genes.

Conversation

Have you ever heard about epistasis in genetics?

Yeah, I think it’s when one gene affects the expression of another, right?

Exactly! It's fascinating how genes can interact like that.

I know, it really shows how complex our biology is!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Epistasis → It is formed from "epi-" (meaning upon or over) and "stasis" (from Greek "stasis", meaning standing or stability). The term describes a genetic phenomenon where one gene's expression is affected by another gene, thus standing over or upon the effects of another.

Memory Tip

Think of a gene that stands 'upon' ('epi-') another gene's effects, influencing its expression — that's what epistasis means.

Visually Confused Words