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polygene

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /ˈpɒlɪˌdʒiːn/

KK: /pɑlɪˌdʒin/

noun
Definition

A type of gene that is part of a group of genes that work together to influence a specific trait or characteristic in an organism, often leading to a variety of outcomes.


Example

The height of a plant can be influenced by several polygenes working together.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever heard about the concept of a polygene?
Sloth B
Yeah, I think it relates to how certain traits are inherited, right?
Sloth A
Exactly! It's interesting how polygenes can affect things like height and skin color.
Sloth B
I love learning about genetics; it really shows how diverse we all are.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
gene
factor
trait
Antonyms
monogene
allele
singleton
Root Explanation

Polygene → It is formed from "poly-" (from Greek "polus", meaning many) and "gene" (from Greek "genos", meaning origin or birth). The word refers to many origins or genes, indicating a genetic trait influenced by multiple genes.

Memory Tip

Think of 'many' ('poly-') origins or 'births' ('gene') to remember that 'polygene' refers to traits influenced by multiple genes.

Visually Confused Words

No commonly confused words.

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