Infinitesimal model

The infinitesimal model or polygenic model is a way of understanding how traits are passed from parents to children using genes. It is used a lot in the study of how genes work and in studying all the genes in our DNA. This idea was first shared by Ronald Fisher in 1918. He said that many small genes together can decide how a trait shows up in a person. 

In Fisher's 1918 paper, he explained that if a trait is decided by many genes, then the trait will be normally distributed in people. But it doesn't mean everyone will show the trait in the same way. It depends on their parents' genes. This idea helped people understand how the rules of genes and the ways traits show up can work together. 

This model says that when less important genes change, the way traits show does not change fast. Because each gene has a tiny role. Changes in a phenotype like a trait or disease happen when many genes change. This is different from changes in only a few genes or one gene. It helps us understand how traits work.

References

Category:Statistical models
Category:Statistics
Category:Statistical genetics
Category:Genetics