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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Multifactorial and Polygenic Traits?

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The main difference between multifactorial and polygenic traits lies in the factors that influence them.

  • Polygenic traits are influenced by multiple genes, but not the environment. These traits are complex and cannot be explained by Mendel's pattern of inheritance, and they do not follow the patterns of Mendelian inheritance because multiple genes are involved. Examples of polygenic traits include human height, skin color, and eye color, which are controlled by many different genes.
  • Multifactorial traits, on the other hand, are influenced by both genes and the environment. These traits are also polygenic, meaning they are controlled by more than one gene. However, they are strongly affected by environmental factors, making them multifactorial. Most human traits are polygenic, and many of them are also influenced by the environment, making them multifactorial.

In summary:

  • Polygenic traits are controlled by multiple genes without environmental influence.
  • Multifactorial traits are controlled by multiple genes and are strongly influenced by environmental factors.
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  • What is the Difference Between Multifactorial and Polygenic Traits?
  • Comparative Table: Multifactorial vs Polygenic Traits

    • Comparative Table: Multifactorial vs Polygenic Traits

    Here is a table comparing the differences between multifactorial and polygenic traits:

    Trait Type Definition Inheritance Pattern Environmental Influence Examples
    Multifactorial Traits influenced by many factors, including genetic and environmental factors. Not Mendelian, complex inheritance. Strongly affected by environmental factors. Neural tube defects, height, fingerprint pattern, eye color.
    Polygenic Traits that are affected by many genes or multiple genes, controlled by many alleles. Continuous distribution (bell shape curve), complex inheritance. Not directly influenced by the environment. Human height, controlled by many genes (more than six alleles).

    While both multifactorial and polygenic traits are influenced by multiple genes, the main difference lies in the environmental influence on these traits. Multifactorial traits are strongly affected by environmental factors, whereas polygenic traits are not directly influenced by the environment.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.