modifier gene
- noun
- /ˈmɒdɪfaɪər dʒiːn/
- Specialized
:
gen modificador
- Studies have shown that the presence of a modifier gene can significantly alter the expression of inherited traits.
Examples
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The research identified a new modifier gene that enhances the effects of the main gene responsible for eye color.
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In the process of interactions, MYOC is a potential modifier gene (205).
Academic text (2018) -
Scientists discovered that a certain modifier gene can affect how an organism responds to environmental changes.
Synonyms
4
8.8
A gene that reduces the effects of another gene, often a harmful change
1
5.6
A gene that reduces the effect of a harmful mutated gene
1
7.9
A gene that changes the effect of another gene
A gene that stops another gene from showing its effect
A gene that hides the effect of another gene so a trait does not appear
How Much Effect
Surface Forms
Morphology
The compound is directly compositional: 'modifier' means something that alters or changes, and 'gene' is a DNA unit, so a 'modifier gene' is readily understood as a gene that alters the effect of another gene. This role–noun construction is a transparent, cross-linguistic pattern, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents can infer the meaning without prior exposure.
Etymology
The noun modifier gene is a name for a modifier, a helper gene that changes how another gene shows a trait, like a dimmer that makes a lamp brighter or dimmer. So, a modifier gene 'changes' the effect of another gene.