Question

Explain epistasis in terms of its Greek-language roots "standing upon."

a) It refers to the suppression of one gene's effect by another gene; standing upon implies dominance
b) It denotes the interaction between multiple genes; standing upon represents hierarchical control
c) It signifies the additive effect of genes; standing upon implies genetic elevation
d) It represents the masking of one gene's expression by another; standing upon indicates genetic dominance

Answer 1

d) It represents the masking of one gene's expression by another; standing upon indicates genetic dominance.

Step-by-step explanation:

d) It represents the masking of one gene's expression by another; standing upon indicates genetic dominance. The term "epistasis" finds its roots in the Greek language, where "epi" means "upon" and "stasis" means "standing." In the context of genetics, epistasis involves the interaction between multiple genes where the expression of one gene masks or modifies the expression of another gene. The term "standing upon" implies a genetic standing or dominance of one gene over the other in controlling a specific trait. This phenomenon highlights the intricate relationships between genes and their impact on the phenotypic outcomes, showcasing how the presence or activity of one gene can influence the expression of another in a hierarchical manner.