Heredity

Phenotype
A. The observable trait of an individual based
on its genotype. Examples: red flower, curly
hair, blood types ( i.e. the blood type is the
phenotype)
B. For a typical Mendelian trait, phenotypes
may either be:
Dominant. A trait that requires at least one
dominant allele for the trait to be expressed,
e.g. Dd ii. Recessive. A trait that requires two
recessive alleles for the trait to be expressed
• Genotype.
• The gene pair an individual carries for a particular trait
symbolized with a pair of letters. By convention, uppercase
letter (eg. A) for a dominant allele and lowercase letter (eg.
a) for the recessive allele.
• Any letter in the alphabet may be used A. For a diploid
organism with two alleles in a given gene pair, genotypes
may be written as: i.
• Homozygous dominant, i.e. with two dominant alleles (DD)
ii. Heterozygous, i.e. with a dominant and recessive allele
(Dd). The individual will show the dominant phenotype. iii.
Homozygous recessive, i.e. with two recessive alleles (dd)
• Law of Segregation (1st Mendelian Law).
• For every trait governed by a pair of alleles,
these alleles segregate or separate during
gamete formation in meiosis
Law of Independent Assortment (2nd
Mendelian Law).
A pair of alleles for one trait will
segregate or separate independently
of another pair of alleles for another
trait during meiosis
Law of Independent Assortment (2nd
Mendelian Law).
A pair of alleles for one trait will
segregate or separate independently of
another pair of alleles for another trait
during meiosis
• Phenocopy.
• A trait that is expressed due to specific
environmental conditions (i.e. having hair that
is dyed of a different color) and is not due to
the genotype
Identical twins.
Also known as monozygotic twins, which are derived from a
single fertilization event. After the first cleavage or cell
division of the zygote, the cells or blastomeres separate and
become independent blastocysts implanted in the mother’s
uterus.
Fraternal twins. Twins that are derived from separate
fertilization events (two eggs fertilized by two sperms)
within the fallopian tube, resulting in two separate zygotes;
also known as dizygotic twins