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Polygenic Trait

Meaning

A Polygenic Trait is a phenotypic characteristic, such as height, skin color, or susceptibility to many common diseases like diabetes and hypertension, that is influenced by the cumulative and interactive effects of multiple genes, rather than being determined by a single gene locus. These traits typically exhibit continuous variation within a population, meaning they are not simply present or absent, but rather exist on a spectrum. Understanding the polygenic nature of a trait is essential in clinical genomics for accurately assessing an individual’s complex genetic risk profile and tailoring personalized wellness strategies.