Genetics and inheritance
Terminology
Term Definition
locus - the exact position (location) of a gene on a chromosome
gene - a segment of DNA in a chromosome that contains the code for a
particular characteristic
alleles - different forms of a gene
genotype - genetic composition of an organism
phenotype - the physical appearance of an organism based on the genotype, e.g. tall,
short
heterozygous - two different alleles for a particular characteristic
homozygous - two identical alleles for a particular characteristic
monohybrid cross - only one characteristic or trait is shown in the genetic cross
dihybrid cross - two different characteristics shown in genetic cross
Father of genetics
• Gregor Mendel, an Austrian monk (a type of priest), is regarded as the father of genetics for his work on garden pea plants
that helped explain how genes are passed from parents to offspring.
Mendel’s Laws of Inheritance
1. Law (principle) of Segregation
❑ Each trait is controlled by two factors (now known as alleles) situated on homologous chromosomes.
❑ When gametes form during meiosis, the two factors (alleles) are separated or segregated. A gamete contains one of the two
factors (alleles) from each parent.
2. Law of Dominance
❑ Certain alleles of a gene exist in either a dominant or a recessive form.
❑ If the pair of alleles are different (one dominant, one recessive), the phenotype will only show the dominant trait.
3. Law (principle) of Independent Assortment
❑ Due to random arrangement of chromosomes at the equator during meiosis (gamete formation), any one of the two alleles
of ONE characteristic can sort with any one of ANOTHER characteristic.
❑ The alleles of different genes move independently of each other into the gametes. They can therefore appear in the gametes
in different combinations.
Genetic crosses
❑ Alleles are represented by letters: CAPITALS (for dominant
alleles) or small letters (for recessive alleles).
❑ P stands for the Parent generation
❑ F stands for the offspring (Filial generation)
❑ F1 generation is the first filial generation, F2 the second.
Monohybrid crosses
• Monohybrid crosses refer to genetic crosses that involve only a single characteristic or trait.
The following monohybrid crosses are dealt with:
• monohybrid crosses with complete dominance
• monohybrid crosses with incomplete dominance
• monohybrid crosses with co-dominance
• sex determination
• inheritance of sex-linked diseases
• multiple alleles e.g.: blood grouping
Example
1. A couple has three sons and the woman is pregnant again. Show by means of a genetic cross what the
percentage chance is of the couple having a baby girl
