Question

The phenomenon of the effect of one gene being dependent on the presence of one or more other genes is known as

• A. Epistasis
• B. Sex linkage
• C. Codominance
• D. Simple dominance
• E. Homozygous recessive

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

Epistasis

Epistasis refers to the nonallelic interaction wherein one gene (epistatic) masks the expression of another gene (hypostatic) present at another locus. This makes option A correct.

Sex linkage refers to inheritance of gene with sex chromosomes of organisms. When both recessive and dominant traits are expressed in a heterozygous genotype; it is codominance. Simple dominance refers to the ability of an allele to mask the expression of another allele in heterozygous condition. Homozygous recessive refers to the presence of two copies of recessive alleles in an organism.

Options C, D and E are allelic interactions while the question is about gene interaction/ nonallelic interaction.

Therefore, the correct answer is option A.