Supergene

This article is about genetics. For ore geology, see Supergene (geology).

A supergene is a chromosomal region encompassing multiple neighboring genes that are inherited together because of close genetic linkage, i.e. much less recombination than would normally be expected.[1] This mode of inheritance can be due to genomic rearrangements between supergene variants.

A supergene region can contain few, functionally related genes that clearly contribute to a shared phenotype.[2]

  1. ^ Arnold, Carrie (21 November 2022). "An Evolutionary Magic Trick Is Popping Up Everywhere - Supergenes' bend the rules of evolution". The Atlantic. Retrieved 21 November 2022.
  2. ^ Joron M, Papa R, Beltrán M, et al. (2006). "A conserved supergene locus controls colour pattern diversity in Heliconius butterflies". PLOS Biol. 4 (10): e303. doi:10.1371/journal.pbio.0040303. PMC 1570757. PMID 17002517.