noun
- A group of genes that together control or influence a particular trait or characteristic, typically involving a small number of genes with measurable individual effects.
Usage: genetics; technical; plural form; singular is oligogene
Examples
- The researchers identified oligogenes responsible for the variation in plant height across different species.
- Oligogenes controlling skin pigmentation have been studied extensively in human genetics.
- Unlike single-gene traits, oligogenes produce more complex inheritance patterns.
- The study focused on oligogenes that influence disease susceptibility in the population.