1. Biology Unit 5 Notes: NON-Mendelian Genetics

2. (1) What does Non-Mendelian mean?
Not all traits are as simple as dominant and recessive.
Some traits…
Have more than just 2 alleles or variations.
Have 2 dominant alleles.
Are only passed on via sex chromosomes.
Are the result of 100’s of genes being expressed.

3. (2) Non-Mendelian Types
Polygenic Traits
Multiple Allele
Codominant Traits
Incomplete Dominant Traits
Sex-Linked Traits

4. (3) Polygenic & Multiple Allele Traits
Polygenic = A trait which is the result of many genes being expressed at one time.
Examples:
Body shape and structure
Hair / Skin / Eye color
Multiple Allele = A trait which has more than just 2 types of alleles that can be inherited.
Example:
Blood Type

5. (4) Codominant Traits Co = Together
Codominant = When 2 dominant traits are expressed equally together (at the same time).
Example:
Some flowers can be homozygous dominant and RED.
Some flowers can be homozygous dominant and WHITE.
Some flowers can be heterozygous, they look RED AND WHITE (but NOT blended!!).

6. Homozygous Dominant Red Homozygous Dominant WhiteAA
Homozygous Dominant White BB
Heterozygous AB

9. (5) Setting Up Codominant Problems
Use all capital letters.
Use 2 different letters, one per variation.
The heterozygote will show both colors/traits at the same time, in patches.
Example:
Homozygous Dominant #1 = AA
Homozygous Dominant #2 = BB
Heterozygous = AB

10. (6) Codominant Example #1
A certain species of pansies are codominant for flower color. You cross a homozygous red flower, with a homozygous white flower:

11. (7) Codominant Example #2
Now you take 2 offspring from the last cross (2 heterozygous pansies) and cross them:

12. (8) Incomplete Dominant Traits
Incomplete = not fully
Incomplete Dominant = When 2 dominant traits are partially expressed together at the same time, resulting in a blending appearance.
Example:
Some flowers can be homozygous dominant and RED.
Some flowers can be homozygous dominant and WHITE.
Some flowers can be heterozygous, they look PINK (like a blending of red + white).

13. Homozygous Dominant Red Homozygous Dominant WhiteAA
Homozygous Dominant White BB
Heterozygous AB

16. (9) Setting Up Incomplete Dominant Problems
Use all capital letters.
Use 2 different letters, one per variation.
The heterozygote will look blended.
Example:
Homozygous Dominant #1 = AA
Homozygous Dominant #2 = BB
Heterozygous = AB

17. (10) Incomplete Dominant Example #1
Snapdragon flowers show incomplete dominance for their petal color. You cross a homozygous red flower with a homozygous white flower:

18. (11) Incomplete Dominant Example #2
Now cross 2 heterozygous snapdragons from the last problem:

19. (12) Sex-Linked Traits
Sex-Linked = Traits only found on the sex chromosomes.
REMEMBER:
Male = X Y
Female = X X
These are often the types of traits that appear to “skip” generations or genders, or often show up more frequently in males.

21. (13) Setting Up Sex-Linked Problems
First write the sex chromosomes per the gender of the individual.
Then figure out the genotype for the trait (AA, Aa, or aa).
Write the allele-letters like exponents on the sex chromosomes.
“X-Linked” means it’s only on the x chromosome.
“Carrier” refers to a female who is heterozygous. She “carries” the recessive trait, but doesn’t show it.

22. (14) Sex-Linked Example #1
Hair loss is a recessive gene connected to the x-chromosome.
Write out the genotypes for:
Normal Female =
Female Carrier =
Bald Female =
Normal Male =
Bald Male =

23. (15) Sex-Linked Example #2
Hair loss is a recessive gene connected to the x-chromosome. A man with normal hair and a woman who is a carrier decide to have children:

24. (16) Sex-Linked Example #3
Dealing with the same hair-loss trait…. A bald man and a normal female decide to have children: