Table of contents

1. Introduction to Genetics51m
2. Mendel's Laws of Inheritance3h 37m
3. Extensions to Mendelian Inheritance2h 41m
4. Genetic Mapping and Linkage2h 28m
5. Genetics of Bacteria and Viruses1h 21m
6. Chromosomal Variation1h 48m
7. DNA and Chromosome Structure56m
8. DNA Replication1h 10m
9. Mitosis and Meiosis1h 34m
10. Transcription1h 0m
11. Translation58m
12. Gene Regulation in Prokaryotes1h 19m
13. Gene Regulation in Eukaryotes44m
14. Genetic Control of Development44m
15. Genomes and Genomics1h 50m
16. Transposable Elements47m
17. Mutation, Repair, and Recombination1h 6m
18. Molecular Genetic Tools19m
- Genetic Cloning
  9m
- Methods for Analyzing DNA
  9m
19. Cancer Genetics29m
- Overview of Cancer
  21m
- Cancer Mutations
  7m
20. Quantitative Genetics1h 26m
21. Population Genetics50m
- Hardy Weinberg
  19m
- Allelic Frequency Changes
  31m
22. Evolutionary Genetics29m

3. Extensions to Mendelian Inheritance

Overview of interacting Genes

Genetics

3. Extensions to Mendelian Inheritance

Overview of interacting Genes

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2:08 minutes

Problem 2

Textbook Question

For the traits listed in the previous problem, which do you think are likely to be multifactorial traits, with phenotypes that are influenced by genes and environment? Identify two environmental factors that might play a role in phenotypic variation of the traits you identified.

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the concept of multifactorial traits: These are traits influenced by both genetic factors (multiple genes) and environmental factors. Examples include height, skin color, and susceptibility to certain diseases.

Review the traits mentioned in the previous problem (not provided here) and identify which ones are likely to be multifactorial. Look for traits that show continuous variation (e.g., height, weight) or are influenced by lifestyle and environmental conditions.

For each identified multifactorial trait, consider how environmental factors might influence the phenotype. For example, nutrition and physical activity can affect height and weight, while sun exposure can influence skin color.

List two specific environmental factors for each identified trait. For instance, for height, you might list 'dietary nutrition during growth years' and 'access to healthcare.' For skin color, you might list 'sun exposure' and 'use of sunscreen.'

Summarize your findings by explaining how the interaction between genes and the identified environmental factors contributes to the phenotypic variation observed in the traits.

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Key Concepts

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

Multifactorial Traits

Multifactorial traits are characteristics that are influenced by multiple genes as well as environmental factors. Unlike single-gene traits, which follow Mendelian inheritance patterns, multifactorial traits exhibit a range of phenotypes due to the complex interplay between genetic predispositions and environmental influences. Examples include height, skin color, and susceptibility to diseases.

Phenotypic Variation

Phenotypic variation refers to the observable differences in traits among individuals within a population, which can arise from genetic differences and environmental factors. This variation is crucial for natural selection and evolution, as it provides the raw material for adaptation. Understanding the sources of phenotypic variation helps in identifying how traits are expressed and modified.

Environmental Factors

Environmental factors are external influences that can affect the development and expression of traits in organisms. These can include physical conditions like climate, nutrition, and exposure to toxins, as well as social factors such as interactions with other individuals. Identifying specific environmental factors is essential for understanding how they contribute to phenotypic variation in multifactorial traits.

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Related Practice

Multiple Choice

Which of the following terms describes an interaction between two genes?

Polygenic traits are controlled through which of the following ways.

Polygenic traits are usually continuous traits?

Which of the following traits would you expect to be inherited as quantitative traits?

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Textbook Question

Write a short essay that explains why multiple and lethal alleles often result in a modification of the classic Mendelian monohybrid and dihybrid ratios.

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Textbook Question

Compare and contrast broad sense heritability and narrow sense heritability, giving an example of each measurement and identifying how the measurement is used.

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Textbook Question

In a cross of two pure-breeding lines of tomatoes producing different fruit sizes, the variance in grams (g) of fruit weight in the F₁ is 2.25 g and the variance among the F₂ is 5.40 g. Determine the genetic and environmental variance (VG and VE) for the trait and the broad sense heritability of the trait.

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Textbook Question

Describe the difference between continuous phenotypic variation and discontinuous variation. Explain how polygenic inheritance could be the basis of a trait showing continuous phenotypic variation. Explain how polygenic inheritance can be the basis of a threshold trait.

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