Epistasis and Pleiotropy

Epistasis and Pleiotropy

the interaction between two or more genes to control a single phenotype

when one gene influences several seemingly unrelated phenotypic traits

Why do labs come in three different colors?

.

First gene: determining the pigment for coat color

B = black; b = brown

Second gene: implements the pigment chosen by the first gene into the coat

E = implement whatever color from the first gene; e = blocks the pigments from the first gene >> the dog is yellow

40% of cats with white fur and blue eyes are deaf

Pleiotropy

One gene: determining fur color

fur color

hearing ability

eye color

not completely affected by the gene for fur color, but there is a strong link

(Hartl & Jones, 2005).

(StudyBlue 2009).

(NDSU 2000).

(Biology Corner 2014).

(International Cat Care 2013).

(GaiaOnline 2014).

(Nature Education 2008).

(NDSU 2000).

(Starr and Taggaert 1995).