Resources

List by Alphabet: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Additive genes

In genetics, additive genes refer to a type of gene action where the contribution of multiple genes to a phenotype is additive or cumulative. These genes act independently, and the effects of each gene add up to determine the overall phenotype of an individual.

Additive genes are often associated with polygenic traits, which are traits influenced by multiple genes. In polygenic inheritance, each gene involved contributes a small effect to the phenotype. These individual effects are additive, meaning that the more alleles associated with a particular trait an individual possesses, the greater the expression of that trait.

An example of a polygenic trait influenced by additive genes is human height. Multiple genes contribute to an individual's height, and each gene may have different alleles associated with taller or shorter stature. The more "tall" alleles an individual has across these contributing genes, the greater their overall height is likely to be.

The concept of additive genes is based on the idea that the effects of each gene are independent of one another. This means that the impact of one gene is not influenced or modified by the presence or absence of other genes. In reality, genetic interactions and environmental factors can also influence gene expression and phenotypic outcomes, making the complete picture more complex.

Quantitative genetics and statistical methods are often employed to estimate the contributions of additive genes to phenotypic variation. These methods assess the heritability of a trait, which represents the proportion of phenotypic variation attributed to genetic factors, including additive genes.

It's important to note that additive genes are just one aspect of genetic influence on phenotypes, and other gene actions, such as dominance, epistasis (gene-gene interactions), and gene-environment interactions, can also play significant roles in determining traits and their variations.

Related Biology Tools

  • GenSmart™ Codon Optimization

    GenSmart Optimization is a free online tool for performing codon optimization to improve gene expression. GenScript's patented algorithms are integrated into the tool to optimize the computing capability of high-performance sequence generation.

    Learn More

  • DNA Construct Design Tool

    GenSmart™ Design is a free online DNA construct design tool developed by GenScript. GenSmart™ Design has two design modules, the Create Construct module for individual plasmid design and the Create Library module for DNA library design.

    Learn More

  • Codon Frequency Tables

    This online tool shows commonly used genetic codon frequency table in expression host organisms including Escherichia coli and other common host organisms.

    Learn More

Service and Products

Gene Synthesis

Offer gene synthesis of 100% sequence guarantee, free codon optimization, DNA synthesis in as fast as 4 days.

ORF cDNA Clones and Custom Clones

Largest commercial ORF clones database, 70,000 next-day shipping ORF clones.

Plasmid DNA Preparation

High quality plasmids supported by fully-automated platform, 100% full insert sequence accuracy guaranteed.

Express Cloning & Subcloning

$49 and 2 day turnaround, choose from over 150 IP FREE vectors.

Mutation and Library Services

Mutagenesis Portfolio offers several mutation and library services to meet various customers’ needs.

Oligo Synthesis

Bridge the gap between chemically synthesized oligos and bological applications.

If you know of any terms that have been omitted from this glossary that you feel would be useful to include, please send detail to the Editorial Office at GenScript: [email protected]

If your term is adopted, we will send 1,000 EzCoupon points to your GenScript account.