Exploring Non-Mendelian Genetics
[1] Non-Mendelian genetics encompasses inheritance patterns that deviate from
the classical rules established by Gregor Mendel. Mendel's groundbreaking
experiments with pea plants laid the foundation for understanding genetic inheritance
through specific dominant and recessive alleles. However, this framework is limited,
as many traits in living organisms exhibit more complex inheritance patterns. By
exploring non-Mendelian concepts, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the diversity
of genetic traits present in nature.
[2] One significant form of non-Mendelian inheritance is incomplete dominance. In
this pattern, the offspring display a phenotype that is a blend of the traits from both
parents. For instance, crossing a red flower (RR) with a white flower (WW) results in
a hybrid (RW) that is pink. This indicates that neither allele is completely dominant,
leading to an intermediate expression of traits. This phenomenon shows how traits can
combine in ways that do not fit into Mendelian categories.
[3] Another concept within non-Mendelian genetics is codominance. Codominance
occurs when both alleles in a heterozygous individual are fully expressed in the
phenotype. A well-known example can be observed in certain breeds of chickens,
where black feathers (B) and white feathers (W) are codominant. When a black
chicken and a white chicken are cross-fertilized, the offspring display both black and
white feathers. This demonstrates that both alleles contribute equally to the
phenotype, resulting in distinct and observable traits.
[4] Polygenic inheritance represents another non-Mendelian inheritance where
multiple genes influence a single trait. Traits such as human height and skin color fall
under this category, as they are controlled by several genes working together. This
results in a wide range of phenotypes rather than distinct categories. For example,
human height can vary significantly due to the cumulative effects of many different
genes, illustrating the complexity of genetic inheritance beyond simple dominant
recessive relationships.
[5] Additionally, extranuclear inheritance involves genes located outside the
nucleus, primarily within mitochondria or chloroplasts. Mitochondrial DNA is inherited
from the mother and can lead to specific traits or diseases that do not adhere strictly
to Mendelian patterns. This type of inheritance provides insight into certain genetic
conditions passed down through maternal lines and emphasizes the importance of
understanding genetic transmission beyond nuclear DNA.
[6] Understanding non-Mendelian genetics is crucial across various fields,
including medicine, agriculture, and evolutionary biology. It offers valuable insights into
complex traits and how they are inherited from one generation to the next. For
example, recognizing that some genetic disorders may arise from multiple genes
rather than a single gene can refine our approaches to treatment and prevention
strategies. Overall, non-Mendelian genetics enriches our knowledge of heredity and
helps explain the intricate tapestry of life’s diversity, revealing how complex
interactions shape the traits we observe in organisms today.
Reference: https://byjus.com/biology/non-mendelian-inheritance/
Number of Words – 446
Questions
1. What has the same meaning as the word diversity in the first paragraph?
A. concepts
B. patterns
C. types
D. variety
The situations inside illustrate different non-Mendelian inheritance patterns. Choose the
correct answers for questions 2 to 4.
A. A child who inherited a combination of his mother (black) and father (white) skin.
B. A child who inherited the blue eyes of his mother and the curly hair of his father
C. A child who inherited the brown skin of his mother and the height of his father
D. A child who inherited diabetes from his mother who got it from her grandmother
2. Which is an example of codominance pattern?
3. Which is an example of incomplete dominance pattern?
4. Which is an example of extranuclear inheritance pattern?
5. Which of the following is an example of codominance pattern?
A. a child who inherited a combination of his mother (black) and father (white) skin
B. a child who inherited the blue eyes of his mother and the curly hair of his father
C. a child who inherited the brown skin of his mother and the height of his father
D. a child who inherited diabetes from his mother who got it from her grandmother
6. What is the importance of knowing non-Mendelian genetics?
A. It challenges the classical rules of inheritance patterns
B. It disproves the classical rules of inheritance patterns
C. It expands the classical rules of inheritance patterns
D. It improves the classical rules of inheritance patterns
7. What is the purpose of the selection?
A. to argue about Gregor Mendel’s classic theories on genetics
B. to describe the different rules of inheritance patterns
C. to inform readers about the limitations of the Mendelian theory
D. to persuade readers to consider non-Mendelian inheritance patterns
8. Which of the following is NOT discussed in the selection
A. complexities of inheritance patterns
B. descriptions of genetic conditions
C. examples of non-Mendelian patterns
D. significance of genetic inheritance
9. Which paragraph contains the topic sentence?
A. first paragraph C. last paragraph
B. fourth paragraph D. second paragraph
10. How did the author organize the ideas in the selection?
A. by comparing and contrasting Mendelian and non-Mendelian rules of inheritance
B. by describing the characteristics of non-Mendelian genetic inheritance patterns
C. by inferring the cause and effects of the different inheritance patterns on people
D. by presenting the problems that humans may encounter because of genetic
inheritance
