Polygenic Traits Quiz

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Questions and Answers

In polygenic inheritance, how do polygenic traits differ from Mendelian traits?

Mendelian traits exhibit a continuous range of phenotypes, while polygenic traits have distinct alternate forms.

Polygenic traits are influenced by both genes and the environment, while Mendelian traits are solely determined by genes.

Polygenic traits follow a dominant-recessive pattern, while Mendelian traits exhibit co-dominance.

Polygenic traits are controlled by three or more genes, while Mendelian traits are controlled by a single gene. (correct)

Using the example of human skin color, how does the genotype AABBCC relate to skin color?

It results in the lightest skin color.

It results in the darkest skin color. (correct)

It results in an intermediate skin color.

It has no effect on skin color.

What determines the darkness or lightness of an individual's skin color in the context of polygenic inheritance?

The environmental factors influencing gene expression.

The types of mutations occurring in the skin cells.

The specific combinations of alleles present in the individual's genotype. (correct)

The number of chromosomes present in the individual.

How does the presence of recessive alleles affect an individual's skin color in polygenic inheritance?

It lightens the skin color. Signup and view all the answers

Why is human skin color a classic example of polygenic inheritance?

Because it is influenced by both genes and the environment. Signup and view all the answers

What role do genes play in determining polygenic traits?

Genes interact with each other and contribute additively to the phenotype. Signup and view all the answers

How does an individual's genotype affect their skin color in polygenic inheritance?

Different combinations of alleles result in varying shades of skin color. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does the presence of three dominant alleles have on an individual's skin color?

It darkens the skin color. Signup and view all the answers

'Polygenic' refers to traits controlled by:

Three or more genes Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes polygenic inheritance?

It involves the interaction of three or more genes to control a trait. Signup and view all the answers

How does the genotype AABBCC contribute to an individual's skin color?

It results in the darkest skin color due to the presence of all dominant alleles. Signup and view all the answers

Why is human skin color mentioned as a classic example of polygenic inheritance?

Because it shows the additive effect of multiple genes on a trait's expression. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes polygenic traits from Mendelian traits?

Mendelian traits result in discrete phenotypes, while polygenic traits lead to a range of phenotypes. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Polygenic Inheritance

Polygenic traits are controlled by multiple genes, resulting in a wide range of phenotypes.
Mendelian traits are controlled by a single gene, resulting in distinct phenotypes.
Human skin color is a classic example of polygenic inheritance, influenced by multiple genes.
The genotype AABBCC represents the homozygous dominant state for all three genes involved in skin color. This genotype corresponds to the darkest skin color.

Skin Color Variation

Skin color is determined by the amount of melanin produced, with more melanin resulting in darker skin.
In polygenic inheritance, recessive alleles contribute less melanin, resulting in lighter skin tones.
The combination of alleles from both parents determines the individual's skin color, leading to a continuous spectrum of skin tones.
Three dominant alleles contribute significantly towards a darker skin tone.

Genes and Polygenic Traits

Genes play a crucial role in polygenic traits by encoding specific proteins involved in the production of various substances, including melanin.
An individual's genotype determines the specific alleles inherited from their parents, ultimately influencing their skin color.
Polygenic traits are controlled by multiple genes, resulting in a wide range of phenotypes.
Polygenic inheritance describes the inheritance of traits influenced by multiple genes, displaying a continuous spectrum of variations.

Key Features

The genotype AABBCC indicates the maximum expression of the genes responsible for melanin production, leading to the darkest skin tone.
Human skin color is a classic example of polygenic inheritance due to its continuous variation, influenced by multiple genes.
The distinguishing factor between polygenic and Mendelian traits lies in the number of genes involved. Mendelian traits are controlled by a single gene, while polygenic traits involve multiple genes.

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Description

Test your knowledge on traits controlled by three or more genes that are spread across a gradient, such as height in humans. Explore the concept of polygenic inheritance and how it differs from traits with distinct alternate forms.