Gene Regulation in Bacteria (E.

coli and the lac operon)

Multiple alleles
Polygenic traits – These are traits in which phenotypic features result from many genes at
different loci found on the same and/or different chromosomes (cumulative effect of
genes).
Height in humans
• height is affected by the environment as well as genotype
• height is an example of polygenic inheritance
• (therefore) offspring can inherit a mixture of alleles from both parents that increase
height
• environmental factor that can affect height e.g. higher protein diet, more calcium in diet,
better healthcare
Studying variation in humans (Nature versus nurture)

Nature: many of our characteristics develop solely under the influence of our genes with
little influence from our environment or learning, e.g. blood group.

Nurture: many characteristics are learnt or are heavily influenced by the environment.