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Multiple Choice
How is polygenic inheritance defined in the context of non-Mendelian genetics?
A
Inheritance of traits controlled by multiple genes, each having a small additive effect
B
Inheritance of traits that follow Mendel's laws of segregation and independent assortment
C
Inheritance of traits determined by environmental factors rather than genetic factors
D
Inheritance of traits controlled by a single gene with multiple alleles
Verified step by step guidance
1
Polygenic inheritance refers to the inheritance of traits that are controlled by multiple genes, each contributing a small additive effect to the phenotype.
Unlike Mendelian inheritance, which involves traits controlled by a single gene, polygenic traits result from the combined effect of several genes.
These genes may be located on different chromosomes and can interact with each other to produce a continuous range of phenotypes, such as height or skin color.
Polygenic inheritance does not follow Mendel's laws of segregation and independent assortment strictly, as multiple genes are involved rather than a single gene with distinct alleles.
Environmental factors can also influence polygenic traits, but the primary definition focuses on the genetic contribution from multiple genes.