What is codominance?
An inheritance pattern where two versions of an allele are equally expressed in heterozygous individuals
Neither allele can mask the expression of the other.
What is incomplete dominance?
Occurs when the heterozygous phenotype is somewhere between the two homozygous phenotypes
This results in a blending of traits.
Define epistasis.
The expression of one gene is affected by the expression of one or more independently inherited genes
This can influence the phenotype in complex ways.
What are polygenic traits?
Traits controlled by two or more genes
These traits often show a continuous range of phenotypes.
What are sex-linked traits?
Traits associated with genes located on sex chromosomes (X, Y)
Males have only one copy of the Y chromosome and one X chromosome, affecting the expression of recessive genes.
What is a carrier in genetics?
An organism who has a genetic difference in one copy of a gene but doesn’t have the disease
Carriers can pass the genetic trait to offspring.
What happens during X inactivation?
Only one X chromosome is active in females; the other is compacted into a Barr body
This process ensures dosage compensation between males and females.
True or false: Human blood type is controlled by multiple alleles.
TRUE
Two alleles, A and B, are codominant, while the O allele is recessive.
In the context of inheritance, what does environmental cues trigger?
Adjustments in gene expression, leading to changes in an individual’s form and function to suit the environment
This highlights the interaction between genetics and the environment.
