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5: Allele and Gene Interactions

  • Page ID
    171257
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    • 5.1: Phenotypes May Not Be As Expected from the Genotype
      The phenotypes described thus far have a nearly perfect correlation with their associated genotypes; in other words an individual with a particular genotype always has the expected phenotype. However, many phenotypes are not determined entirely by genotype alone. They are instead determined by an interaction between genotype and non-genetic, environmental factors.
    • 5.2: Co-dominance and Incomplete Dominance
      In complete dominance, only one allele in the genotype is seen in the phenotype. In codominance, both alleles in the genotype are seen in the phenotype. In incomplete dominance, a mixture of the alleles in the genotype is seen in the phenotype.
    • 5.3: Phenotypic Ratios May Not Be As Expected
      For a variety of reasons, the phenotypic ratios observed from real crosses rarely match the exact ratios expected based on a Punnett Square or other prediction techniques. There are many possible explanations for deviations from expected ratios. Sometimes these deviations are due to sampling effects, in other words, the random selection of a non-representative subset of individuals for observation. On the other hand, it may be because certain genotypes have a less than 100% survival rate.
    • 5.4: Multiple alleles, incomplete dominance, and codominance
      In the real world, genes often come in many versions (alleles). Alleles aren't always fully dominant or recessive to one another, but may instead display codominance or incomplete dominance.
    • 5.5: Pleiotropy and lethal alleles
      Pleiotropy: where one gene affects multiple characteristics. Lethal alleles: alleles that prevent survival when homozygous or heterozygous.
    • 5.6: Polygenic inheritance and environmental effects
      Traits that are controlled by multiple genes and/or influenced by the environment. Penetrance and expressivity.
    • 5.7: Non-Mendelian inheritance review


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