Patterns of Inheritance

Flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to patterns of inheritance in genetics.

Mendel’s Law of Independent Assortment

Each pair of alleles segregates independently of the other pairs during gamete formation.

Phenotypic ratio

The ratio of different phenotypes produced in offspring, such as 1:2:1 in incomplete dominance.

Codominance

A situation in which both alleles in a heterozygote are fully expressed, resulting in offspring with a phenotype that is not a blend.

Pleiotropy

The ability of a single gene to have multiple effects on different traits.

Polygenic Inheritance

Inheritance pattern where a trait is controlled by more than one gene, resulting in a range of phenotypes.

Epigenetic Inheritance

Transmission of traits without changes in the DNA sequence, usually due to modifications in gene expression.

X-Linked Recessive Inheritance

A type of inheritance where traits are more common in males; females must carry the allele on both X chromosomes for it to be expressed.

Incomplete Dominance

A form of inheritance in which neither allele is completely dominant, resulting in a blend of traits in the offspring.

Autosomal Dominant Inheritance

A pattern of inheritance where traits appear in every generation; both males and females are equally affected.

Autosomal Recessive Inheritance

A pattern of inheritance where traits may skip generations and are expressed only when an individual has two copies of the allele.