epistasis: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “epistasis” mean?
In genetics: a phenomenon where the expression of one gene is modified or masked by one or more other genes.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In genetics: a phenomenon where the expression of one gene is modified or masked by one or more other genes.
In medical/statistical contexts: a similar masking or interaction effect between different factors, such as in disease risk or drug response.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical. Slight potential variation in pronunciation.
Connotations
Purely technical with no regional connotations.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialised in both varieties, confined to academic and professional scientific discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “epistasis” in a Sentence
epistasis between (genes A and B)epistasis of (gene A) on (gene B)epistasis in (a pathway)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “epistasis” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The mutated suppressor gene epistatically masks the phenotype.
American English
- Gene A is known to epistatize the expression of Gene B.
adverb
British English
- The genes interacted epistatically rather than additively.
American English
- The two mutations function epistatically to produce the novel trait.
adjective
British English
- The epistatic relationship between the two loci was confirmed.
American English
- Researchers identified a key epistatic gene in the metabolic pathway.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Common in genetics, evolutionary biology, and biomedical research papers. Describes non-linear gene interactions.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Core term in genetics for describing how mutations in one gene can hide mutations in another.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “epistasis”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “epistasis”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “epistasis”
- Misspelling as 'epitasis' or 'epistaxis'.
- Using it to describe simple additive effects.
- Confusing it with 'pleiotropy' (one gene affecting many traits).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Dominance describes interactions between alleles (different versions) of the *same* gene. Epistasis describes interactions between alleles of *different* genes.
Yes, it is widespread in biological systems, making genetic inheritance and evolution more complex than simple additive models suggest.
Yes, through statistical methods in quantitative genetics or by constructing and comparing single and double mutants in experimental genetics.
Absolutely. It can influence disease susceptibility, drug efficacy, and toxicity, as genetic background can alter how a specific mutation manifests.
In genetics: a phenomenon where the expression of one gene is modified or masked by one or more other genes.
Epistasis is usually technical/scientific in register.
Epistasis: in British English it is pronounced /ɪˈpɪstəsɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɪˈpɪstəsɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'EPI-STASIS': EPI (upon) + STASIS (standing). One gene 'standing upon' or overriding another, making its effect 'stand still' or be hidden.
Conceptual Metaphor
GENETIC INTERACTIONS ARE A HIERARCHY (where one gene is the 'boss' masking the effect of another).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'epistasis' primarily used?