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epistatic

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /ˌɛpɪˈstætɪk/

KK: /ɛpɪˈstætɪk/

adjective
Definition

Relating to the interaction between genes, where one gene can mask or modify the expression of another gene.


Example

The epistatic relationship between the two genes affected the color of the flowers.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever heard about epistatic interactions in genetics?
Sloth B
Yeah, I think it refers to how different genes can affect each other, right?
Sloth A
Exactly! It's fascinating how one gene can completely mask the effects of another.epistatic relationships can really change how traits are expressed.
Sloth B
For sure! It makes studying genetics so much more interesting.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
genetic
hereditary
influential
Antonyms
independent
isolated
unrelated
Root Explanation

Epistatic → It is formed from "epi-" (meaning upon or above) and "stasis" (from Greek "stasis", meaning standing or stability). The term refers to a gene that can affect the expression of another gene, thus standing above it in terms of genetic influence.

Memory Tip

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

Visually Confused Words
epitactic
eustatic
ecstatic
static
pistic
peristaltic
isatic
heliostatic
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