Final answer:
In biology, an epistatic gene at one locus suppresses the expression of hypostatic genes at other loci. Epistasis is an antagonistic interaction between genes, where one gene interferes with or masks the expression of another gene.
Step-by-step explanation:
In biology, an epistatic gene at one locus suppresses the expression of hypostatic genes at other loci. Epistasis is an antagonistic interaction between genes, where one gene interferes with or masks the expression of another gene.
The epistatic gene can act as a dominant or recessive gene, depending on its mode of interaction with the hypostatic genes. This gene interaction can affect various phenotypic traits, including coat color in animals or flower color in plants.
For example, in Labrador Retrievers, the E gene is epistatic to the B gene. The B gene determines the deposition of black or brown pigment in the fur. However, if the E gene is present, it inhibits the expression of the B gene, resulting in a yellow coat color.