Mendelian and Non-Mendelian Genetics

Mendelian Genetics

• Mendelian genetics is based on the principles developed by Gregor Mendel, which include concepts such as segregation and independent assortment of alleles. It involves the inheritance patterns observed with traits that are determined by single genes, typically represented through one trait crosses (monohybrid) and two trait crosses (dihybrid). In Mendelian genetics, traits tend to follow predictable patterns based on dominant and recessive alleles.

Non-Mendelian Genetics

Non-Mendelian genetics refers to patterns of inheritance that do not follow Mendel's principles. This includes more complex patterns such as:

• Incomplete Dominance: Neither allele is completely dominant, resulting in a blended phenotype.

• Codominance: Both alleles are expressed equally in the phenotype.

• Multiple Alleles: More than two alleles exist for a trait, allowing for a variety of phenotypes.

• Sex-Linked Traits: Traits associated with genes located on sex chromosomes, often leading to different expressions in males and females.

Pedigrees

• Used to track traits; shaded shapes indicate traits of interest.

• Understanding Pedigree: Circles represent females, squares represent males.

• Genotypes can be inferred based on shaded shapes.