have light purple flowers. What type of inheritance does this describe?- What is the inheritance pattern where both alleles are expressed?
Further Reading / Supplemental Links
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dominant_gene
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polygenic_inheritance
- http://staff.jccc.net/pdecell/evolution/polygen.html
- http://www.curiosityrats.com/genetics.html
- http://www.estrellamountain.edu/faculty/farabee/BIOBK/BioBookgenintro.html
Vocabulary
allele An alternative form of a gene.
co-dominance A pattern of inheritance where both alleles are equally expressed.
genotype The genetic makeup of a cell or organism, defined by certain alleles for a par-
ticular trait.
heterozygous Having identical alleles for a particular trait.
homozygous Having two different alleles for a particular trait.
incomplete dominance A pattern of inheritance where the offspring has a phenotype
that is halfway between the two parents’ phenotypes.
phenotype The physical appearance that is a result of the genotype.
polygenic inheritance A pattern of inheritance where the trait is controlled by many
genes and each dominant allele has an additive effect.
Points to Consider
- Hypothesize about the genetic differences between males and females.
- Can you name any human genetic disorders?
- If a baby inherits an extra chromosome, what might the result be?