Inherited Traits Analysis: Understanding Genetic Inheritance

Inherited Traits Analysis involves studying the genetic characteristics passed down from ancestors to determine hereditary factors.
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Genetics | Hereditary Factors | Ancestral Traits | Inherited Traits | Genetic Analysis | Hereditary Characteristics
Prepared by Nick Harper, reviewed by Dr. David James Simpson

Inherited Traits Analysis FAQ


Image credit: biologyonline.com

What are inherited traits?

Some of the inherited traits include physical traits like, eye color, height, hair color and texture, freckles, blood group, certain diseases, etc. (Figure 1) Every individual possesses certain unique traits that are a function of their genes and hence, such unique traits are transferred from one generation to the next generation.

What is a quantitatively inherited trait?

A quantitatively inherited trait is controlled by many genes at different loci, with each gene — known as a polygene — contributing a small effect to the expression of the character. Polygenes are also known quantitative trait loci (QTL).

How are traits inherited through generations?

Our modern understanding of how traits may be inherited through generations comes from the principles proposed by Gregor Mendel in 1865. However, Mendel didn't discover these foundational principles of inheritance by studying human beings, but rather by studying Pisum sativum, or the common pea plant.

How do you determine the mode of inheritance of a trait?

To determine the mode of inheritance of a trait based upon the information in a pedigree. To predict the probability a child of particular parents would inherit the trait in question. For this session, watch the video lecture called “Human Genetics” by Prof. Eric Lander recorded in 2004, starting partway into the lecture until the end.

Where is information about inherited traits found?

Information about inherited traits is found in genes. Genes are pieces of hereditary material that are passed from parents to offspring. Genes are part of cell structures called chromosomes. In multicellular organisms, chromosomes are found in the nucleus of the cell.

What is a pedigree consistent with autosomal dominant inheritance?

Figure 4.3.3 4.3. 3: A pedigree consistent with autosomal dominant inheritance. (Original-Deyholos-CC:AN) Diseases that are inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern require that both parents of an affected individual carry at least one copy of the disease allele.

Inherited Traits Analysis References

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