Multiple Choice
Which of the following is an example of epistasis?
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3. Extensions to Mendelian Inheritance
Epistasis and Complementation
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Which of the following statements correctly describes an example of epistasis?
A
A dominant allele at one locus is required for the expression of a dominant allele at a second locus.
B
A gene at one locus masks the expression of a gene at a different locus, such as the presence of a homozygous recessive allele at one gene preventing pigment deposition regardless of the genotype at another pigment gene.
C
Two different genes independently contribute to the same phenotype, and their effects simply add together.
D
A single gene affects multiple, seemingly unrelated phenotypic traits.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the concept of epistasis: it occurs when the expression of one gene (at one locus) masks or modifies the expression of another gene at a different locus.
Analyze each statement to see if it fits the definition of epistasis. For example, check if one gene's allele affects or hides the effect of another gene's allele.
Identify the statement that describes a gene at one locus masking the expression of a gene at a different locus, such as a homozygous recessive allele preventing pigment deposition regardless of the other gene's genotype.
Recognize that statements describing independent additive effects of genes or a single gene affecting multiple traits do not represent epistasis.
Conclude that the correct description of epistasis is the one where one gene's allele masks the expression of another gene at a different locus.
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