Which one of the following is an example of polygenic inheritance?
Correct answer: A. Skin colour in humans
- A. Skin colour in humans
- B. Flower colour in Mirabilis jalapa
- C. Production of male honey bee
- D. Pod shape in garden pea
Explanation
Polygenic inheritance refers to traits controlled by multiple genes, resulting in a broad range of phenotypes. Skin color in humans exemplifies this as it is governed by several genes that cumulatively influence melanin production, leading to continuous variation seen across different populations.In contrast, flower color in Mirabilis jalapa, the production of male honey bees, and pod shape in garden peas do not demonstrate polygenic inheritance. These traits are typically controlled by one or a few genes, resulting in more discrete and predictable outcomes, characteristic of Mendelian inheritance.
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About Inheritance
Mendel's laws explain segregation, independent assortment and the prediction of genetic ratios using alleles, genotypes and phenotypes. The chapter also covers linked genes, recombination and crossing over during meiosis, then applies pedigree reasoning to X-linked recessive traits, which show different inheritance patterns in males and females.
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