oligogenes
/ˈɑlɪɡoʊˌdʒinz/
noun
- A small set of genes that together control a particular trait or characteristic, especially in genetics and heredity.
- Scientists study oligogenes to understand how multiple genes influence height in humans.
- The color of a flower is often determined by oligogenes rather than a single gene.
- Inherited diseases caused by oligogenes are more complex to predict than those from a single gene.