Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

29. Heredity

Patterns of Inheritance

Anatomy & Physiology

29. Heredity

Patterns of Inheritance

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Problem 23c

Textbook Question

Distinguish between the following paired terms:
(c) simple inheritance and polygenic inheritance.

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the concept of inheritance: Inheritance refers to the transmission of genetic traits from parents to offspring. Traits are determined by genes, which are segments of DNA located on chromosomes.

Define simple inheritance: Simple inheritance involves traits controlled by a single gene with two alleles. These traits follow Mendelian patterns of inheritance, such as dominant and recessive alleles. For example, the ability to roll your tongue is determined by a single gene.

Define polygenic inheritance: Polygenic inheritance involves traits controlled by multiple genes, often located on different chromosomes. These traits do not follow simple Mendelian patterns and result in a continuous range of phenotypes, such as height, skin color, or eye color.

Compare the two types of inheritance: Simple inheritance results in discrete phenotypes (e.g., tongue rolling: yes or no), while polygenic inheritance produces a spectrum of phenotypes due to the combined effect of multiple genes.

Relate the concepts to real-world examples: Use examples like Mendelian traits (e.g., tongue rolling or attached earlobes) for simple inheritance and complex traits (e.g., height or skin color) for polygenic inheritance to illustrate the differences clearly.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Simple Inheritance

Simple inheritance, also known as Mendelian inheritance, refers to the genetic transmission of traits controlled by a single gene with two alleles. In this model, one allele is dominant over the other, leading to distinct phenotypic outcomes. For example, in pea plants, the trait for flower color can be either purple (dominant) or white (recessive), resulting in clear, predictable ratios in offspring.

Phenotype

Phenotype refers to the observable characteristics or traits of an organism, which result from the interaction of its genotype (genetic makeup) with the environment. In the context of inheritance, phenotypes can be influenced by single genes in simple inheritance or by multiple genes in polygenic inheritance. Understanding phenotypes is crucial for distinguishing between these two inheritance patterns, as they manifest differently in populations.

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Related Practice

Textbook Question

A normally pigmented woman whose father was an albino marries a normally pigmented man whose mother was an albino. What is the probability that they would have an albino child?

(a) 50 percent

(b) 25 percent

(d) 6.25 percent

(e) 100 percent

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Textbook Question

Indicate the type of inheritance involved in each of the following situations.

(a) Children who exhibit the trait have at least one parent who also exhibits it.

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Textbook Question

Indicate the type of inheritance involved in each of the following situations.

(b) Children exhibit the trait even though neither parent does.

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Textbook Question

Indicate the type of inheritance involved in each of the following situations.

(d) The trait is expressed equally in daughters and sons.

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Textbook Question

Recessive X-linked traits

(a) Are passed from fathers to their sons

(b) Are more likely to be expressed in males

(d) Are never expressed in females

(e) Cannot be passed from mothers to daughters

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Textbook Question

Indicate the type of inheritance involved in each of the following situations.

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Textbook Question

Hemophilia A, a condition in which blood does not clot properly, is a recessive trait located on the X chromosome (Xʰ). Suppose that a woman who is heterozygous for this trait (XXʰ) has children with a normal male (XY). What is the probability that the couple will have daughters with hemophilia? What is the probability that the couple will have sons with hemophilia?

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Textbook Question

Distinguish between the following paired terms:

(b) heterozygous and homozygous,

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