Polygenes (Gr. Poli — Many)

Polygenes (from the Greek "poly" - many and "genes" - genes) are a group of genes that affect the same trait in an additive manner. Additivity means that each gene in this group contributes to the formation of a trait, and their total effect determines the final result.

Polygenic traits, such as eye or skin color, face shape, body size, and many others, are the result of the interaction of many genes. Each gene in this group may have different variant alleles that contribute to the final result.

For example, skin color depends on dozens of genes, each of which contributes to the final result. Each gene can have its own scale of importance, and each contributes its own weight to determining skin color. This complex system creates the many skin tones we see in our world.

Polygenic traits usually appear on a continuum, meaning their values ​​can be measured and expressed numerically. This distinguishes them from discrete traits such as blood type, which are determined by just a few genes.

The study of polygenic traits is of great importance in medicine and genetics. For example, understanding the genetic factors that influence disease development can help develop more effective prevention and treatment methods. In addition, the study of polygenic traits can help in understanding differences between different groups of people, such as racial or ethnic groups.

In conclusion, polygenes are a group of genes that affect the same trait in an additive manner. They are the basis for the formation of many of the traits we see in our world, and their study is of great importance in medicine and genetics.