Questions and Answers
Give an example of a trait that has multiple alleles.
Human blood type, which has four possible phenotypes: A, B, AB, & O.
Explain the significance of the existence of multiple alleles on the phenotype of the trait.
Blood type can result in four possible phenotypes: A, B, AB, & O.
Give an example of a trait that is polygenic.
Height, skin color, hair color, and eye color.
Explain the significance of being a polygenic trait on the phenotype of the trait.
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Explain Mendel's Laws.
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What is the Law of Dominance?
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What is the Law of Segregation?
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What is the Law of Independent Assortment?
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Study Notes
Multiple Alleles
- Human blood type serves as a prime example of multiple allele inheritance.
- Blood types exhibit four possible phenotypes: A, B, AB, and O, which arise from different combinations of alleles.
Significance of Multiple Alleles
- The existence of multiple alleles contributes to genetic diversity within a population by allowing for various phenotypes, enhancing adaptability and survival.
Polygenic Traits
- Height is classified as a polygenic trait, influenced by multiple genes.
- Other examples of polygenic traits include skin color, hair color, and eye color.
Significance of Polygenic Traits
- Polygenic traits highlight that dominance is not solely responsible for phenotype expression; traits can still be inherited and expressed without being dominant.
Mendel's Laws of Inheritance
- Three primary laws define Mendelian inheritance: Law of Dominance, Law of Segregation, and Law of Independent Assortment.
Law of Dominance
- A dominant trait is consistently expressed in the phenotype of the offspring.
- If one parent carries two copies of the dominant allele (A) and the other carries two copies of the recessive allele (a), the resulting offspring will have a genotype of Aa, displaying the dominant phenotype.
Law of Segregation
- Each parent carries two distinct alleles for a gene located on homologous chromosomes.
- During meiosis, these alleles segregate so that each gamete receives only one allele, ensuring genetic diversity.
Law of Independent Assortment
- Genes located on different chromosomes are inherited independently, meaning traits associated with one gene do not influence those of another.
- This principle contributes to genetic variability amongst offspring, as combinations of traits may arise from the independent assortment of alleles.
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Description
This quiz explores concepts in genetics including multiple alleles and polygenic traits. It highlights the significance of these inheritance patterns in promoting genetic diversity and their implications in physical traits. Understand Mendel's laws of inheritance and how they relate to dominant and recessive traits.
