Understanding Mendelian vs Non-Mendelian Inheritance

Mendelian and Non-Mendelian Inheritance

Inheritance patterns determine trait passing. Mendelian and non-Mendelian inheritance explain these patterns.

Mendelian Inheritance

Mendelian inheritance follows Gregor Mendel’s laws. Traits are determined by single genes.

Key Principles

1. Law of Segregation: Alleles separate during gamete formation.
2. Law of Independent Assortment: Genes sort independently during gamete formation.
3. Law of Dominance: One allele can dominate another allele.

Non-Mendelian Inheritance

Non-Mendelian inheritance deviates from Mendel’s laws. Traits are influenced by multiple genes or environmental factors.

Types of Non-Mendelian Inheritance

1. Incomplete Dominance: Neither allele dominates the other.
2. Codominance: Both alleles have an equal effect.
3. Polygenic Inheritance: Multiple genes influence a trait.
4. Epigenetic Inheritance: Environmental factors affect gene expression.

Key Differences

1. Single Gene vs. Multiple Genes: Mendelian inheritance involves single genes, while non-Mendelian inheritance involves multiple genes or environmental factors.
2. Predictable vs. Unpredictable: Mendelian inheritance follows predictable patterns, while non-Mendelian inheritance is more complex and unpredictable.

Understanding Mendelian and non-Mendelian inheritance helps explain trait variation and inheritance patterns.