Question

Some data is available on the effect alleles have on height. For example Common DNA Variants Accurately Rank an Individual of Extreme Height

However after browsing the literature I was not able to easily answer the following.

If we take a genome and allow only one gene to change there is going to be an allele maximizing the genetic potential for height. If we take two different genomes and allow one gene to vary are the optimal alleles going to be the same?

If this can happen then linear polygenic scores cannot fully capture the genotype–phenotype map.

Answer 1

Polygenic traits are controlled by multiple genes with multiple alleles. Optimal alleles for maximizing height may differ when comparing different genomes. Linear polygenic scores may not fully capture the genotype-phenotype map for height.

Step-by-step explanation:

Polygenic traits, such as height, are controlled by multiple genes with multiple alleles. If we take two different genomes and allow one gene to vary, the optimal alleles for maximizing height may not be the same. This is because different combinations of alleles can contribute to the overall height potential in each individual. Therefore, linear polygenic scores may not fully capture the genotype-phenotype map for height.