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Non-Mendelian Genetics

Mia Gonzalez

Mia Gonzalez

4 min read

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Study Guide Overview

This study guide covers non-Mendelian genetics, focusing on deviations from simple dominant/recessive inheritance. Key topics include multiple alleles (e.g., blood type, rabbit fur), sex-linked traits, incomplete dominance, and codominance. Examples and practice questions are provided.

AP Biology: Non-Mendelian Genetics - Your Ultimate Study Guide 🧬

Hey there, future AP Bio master! Let's dive into the fascinating world of non-Mendelian genetics. This is where things get a little more complex than simple dominant and recessive traits, but don't worry, we'll break it down together! This guide is designed to be your go-to resource the night before the exam. Let's make sure you're feeling confident and ready to ace it!

Introduction to Non-Mendelian Genetics

Most traits don't follow simple Mendelian inheritance patterns. Instead, we see a variety of non-Mendelian patterns. Key examples include multiple alleles, sex-linked traits, incomplete dominance, and codominance. Let's explore each one:

Multiple Alleles

Key Concept

Instead of just two alleles (dominant and recessive), some genes have multiple alleles. This means there are more than two versions of a gene that can contribute to the phenotype. Think of it like having a wider range of options for a particular trait.

Human Blood Types

  • A classic example of multiple alleles is human blood type. The ABO blood group system has three alleles: IA, IB, and i. IA and IB are codominant, while i is recessive.

Rabbit Fur Color

  • Another great example is fur color in rabbits. There's a dominant C allele and three different recessive c alleles, leading to four different phenotypes.

    Rabbit Fur Color

    • Caption: Different combinations of alleles in rabbits result in different fur colors.
Memory Aid

Think of multiple alleles like a pizza with multiple toppings – not just one or two, but many options that can combine in different ways.

Practice Question

Practice Question Text

Question 1 of 7

🎉 Ready to ace this? Which of the following best describes non-Mendelian inheritance?

Traits following a simple dominant/recessive pattern

Traits with only two possible alleles

Traits that do not follow typical dominant and recessive patterns

Traits only found in plants