Complex traits

Complex traits, also known as polygenic or multigenic traits, are phenotypes determined by the interaction of multiple genetic and environmental factors. A central goal of contemporary genetics research is to understand the molecular mechanisms by which genetic variation influences complex traits. Examples of complex traits in humans include height; intelligence and cognitive function; body-mass index; blood pressure; and risk for complex diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer's disease, and schizophrenia.

The genetic architecture of complex traits has been explored using statistical approaches such as genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping.

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