Mendelian Inheritance

Definition:

Mendelian inheritance, also known as Mendel’s laws of inheritance, refers to the set of principles proposed by Gregor Mendel in the 19th century to describe the patterns of inheritance of traits from parents to offspring.

Subtopics:

1. Dominant and Recessive Traits:

The principle of dominant and recessive traits explains how different forms of a gene (alleles) can determine the expression of a particular trait in an individual. Dominant alleles mask the presence of recessive alleles when both are present.

2. Law of Segregation:

The law of segregation states that during the formation of gametes (egg and sperm), the two alleles for a trait segregate (separate) from each other into different gametes. Each gamete thus carries only one allele for the trait.

3. Law of Independent Assortment:

The law of independent assortment states that different pairs of alleles for different traits segregate independently of each other during gamete formation. This means that the inheritance of one trait does not influence the inheritance of another trait.

4. Punnett Squares:

Punnett squares are a visual tool used to predict the possible combinations of alleles that can result from a genetic cross between two individuals. They help determine the probability of offspring inheriting specific traits.

5. Mendelian Disorders:

Mendelian disorders, also known as single-gene disorders, are genetic conditions caused by mutations in a single gene. These disorders follow Mendelian patterns of inheritance, such as autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, and X-linked inheritance.