Overview
Polygenic inheritance is a fundamental concept in genetics that explains how multiple genes contribute to the expression of a single trait. This type of inheritance leads to a wide range of phenotypes, as seen in traits like height, skin color, and intelligence. Unlike Mendelian inheritance, which f...
Key Terms
Example: The gene for flower color may have a red allele and a white allele.
Example: Height, eye color, and skin color are all phenotypes.
Example: A plant may have a genotype of RR, Rr, or rr for flower color.
Example: Height is a quantitative trait as it can vary widely among individuals.
Example: Human skin color is a polygenic trait influenced by several genes.
Example: Sun exposure can affect skin color, a polygenic trait.
Related Topics
Mendelian Genetics
Study of inheritance patterns established by Gregor Mendel, focusing on single-gene traits.
intermediateQuantitative Genetics
Field that studies the genetic basis of complex traits and their variation in populations.
advancedGenetic Engineering
Manipulation of an organism's DNA to alter its characteristics, often used in agriculture and medicine.
advancedKey Concepts
Multiple GenesPhenotypic VariationQuantitative TraitsEnvironmental Influence