Gene interaction refers to the way different genes influence each other's effects on a trait or characteristic. This can occur when multiple genes contribute to a single trait, such as eye color or height. The interactions can be additive, where the effects of each gene combine, or epistatic, where one gene can mask or modify the effect of another. Understanding gene interaction is crucial in fields like genetics and breeding, as it helps scientists predict how traits will be inherited. It also plays a significant role in disease research, where interactions between genes can affect an individual's susceptibility to conditions like diabetes or cancer.