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Definition

noun, plural: zygotic-effect genes

(1) Any of the genes expressed in the early embryo.

(2) Any of the genes expressed from the genome of the zygote itself.

Supplement

The term zygotic are used to refer genes expressed from the zygote's genome in contrast to the maternal-effect genes expressed solely from the genome of the mother, or the paternal-effect genes expressed solely from the genome of the father.

In Drosophila embryogenesis, zygotic genes can be classified into segmentation genes, (i.e. gap genes, pair-rule genes, and segment polarity genes) and homeotic genes.

Also called: zygotic gene
Compare: maternal-effect gene, paternal-effect gene.